Montgomery County Maryland Free Tax Assistance Programs And Services

Free tax preparation services are available to eligible Montgomery County residents through various programs. These services, offered by organizations such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, provide valuable assistance to low-to-moderate income households, seniors, and individuals who may otherwise struggle with tax preparation costs and complexities.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax assistance to Montgomery County residents with household incomes of $64,000 or less. This program provides residents with free tax preparation help from qualified preparers, ensuring that eligible individuals can access professional assistance without financial burden.

Eligibility and Services

Eligible residents can receive assistance with: - Federal and state tax preparation - Amended returns for 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 tax years - Services for taxpayers filing with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) - Help with obtaining an ITIN (available Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.)

The VITA program serves all qualifying residents, with special attention to seniors aged 60+ and individuals who may need additional assistance with tax documentation and processes.

Appointment Scheduling

Residents can schedule appointments by: - Calling 240-777-1123 - Visiting the CASHBACK website

The program operates from January through April each tax season, with appointments available at various locations throughout Montgomery County.

VITA Program Locations and Hours

The VITA program operates at multiple locations with varying schedules:

Casey Community Center - Address: 810 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg - Hours: Mondays, 2:30-8 p.m.

TESS Community Action Center - Address: 8730 Flower Avenue, Silver Spring - Hours: Tuesdays, 2-8 p.m.

Community Action Agency - Address: 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville - Hours: - Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. - Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

WorkSource Montgomery - Address: 11510 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton - Hours: Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (virtual appointments only)

The Community Action Agency also operates a VITA program with expanded hours: - Mondays, 2-8 pm, Casey Community Center, Gaithersburg - Tuesdays, 2-8 pm, TESS Community Action Center, Silver Spring - Tuesdays, 11 am-5 pm, Community Action Agency, Rockville - Wednesdays, 12-8 pm, Community Action Agency, Rockville - Thursdays, 11 am-5 pm, WorkSource Montgomery, Wheaton - Thursdays, 11 am-5 pm, Community Action Agency, Rockville - Fridays, 11 am-5 pm, VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS

Required Documentation

When attending a VITA appointment, residents should bring: - Federal and State returns for previous years (2020 and 2021 returns can be prepared, and amendments for 2022, 2021 & 2019) - Social Security cards for themselves and every individual on their return - Photo identification

For ITIN assistance, individuals need proof of foreign status and identity.

Accommodations and Support

The VITA program provides accommodations for individuals with special needs. To request accommodations, residents can call 240-777-1123 or email [email protected].

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is another valuable resource for free tax assistance in Montgomery County. As the nation's largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service, this program provides in-person tax assistance and preparation through IRS-certified volunteers.

Program Impact

In 2019 alone, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped taxpayers receive: - $1.6 billion in income tax refunds - More than $200 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) - Avoidance of tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans

In Maryland, 774 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 40,210 residents claim $27,520,582 in federal refunds and $2,751,085 at 127 sites including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Program Schedule

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program typically operates from February 1 through April 15 each year, covering the main tax filing season.

Eligibility

While specific income guidelines may vary, the program generally focuses on helping low-to-moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors aged 60+.

Appointment Process

Residents can schedule appointments by: - Visiting www.taxaidemc.info - Calling 240-777-2577 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Appointments should be booked by March 3 to guarantee availability. Transportation assistance is available by calling 311 within Montgomery County.

Required Documentation

When attending an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide appointment, residents should bring: - Federal and State returns for previous years - Social Security cards for themselves and every individual on their return - Photo identification - Information about income and expenses

Other Free Tax Resources in Montgomery County

In addition to the VITA and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide programs, Montgomery County residents have access to other free tax resources:

CASHBACK Program

The CASHBACK program provides information about free tax sites, tax credits, and financial resources. Residents can visit the CASHBACK website or call "311" to be referred to other free tax VITA Partnership programs, including walk-in sites.

Available Languages

Information about IRS-affiliated County VITA programs is available in multiple languages, including: - English - Spanish - French - Amharic - Chinese - Korean

This multilingual support ensures that language barriers do not prevent eligible residents from accessing free tax assistance.

Comparison of Tax Assistance Programs

What to Bring to Tax Assistance Appointments

Regardless of which program residents choose, certain documentation is typically required for tax preparation appointments:

Essential Documents

• Social Security card and/or ITIN for EACH family member
• Photo identification
• All tax forms (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
• Prior year's tax return
• Bank account information for direct deposit of refunds
• Records of other income

Additional Documentation for Specific Circumstances

• Health Insurance Marketplace statements (Form 1095-A)
• Child care provider information and payment details
• Adoption expense records
• Education expense records (Form 1098-T)
• Student loan interest statements (Form 1098-E)

Impact of Free Tax Assistance Programs

Free tax assistance programs in Montgomery County provide significant benefits to residents and the community:

Financial Impact

• Help residents claim valuable tax credits and refunds they might otherwise miss
• Reduce tax preparation fees that can burden low-income households
• Increase access to Earned Income Tax Credit and other refundable credits

Community Benefits

• Reduce tax filing errors that can lead to audits and penalties
• Increase tax compliance rates
• Provide financial education alongside tax preparation
• Support seniors and vulnerable populations who may need additional assistance

Conclusion

Montgomery County offers multiple free tax assistance programs to help eligible residents prepare their tax returns without incurring professional fees. The VITA Program and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provide valuable services to low-to-moderate income households, seniors, and individuals who need assistance with tax documentation. These programs help residents claim refunds and credits they might otherwise miss, while ensuring accurate tax filing and compliance.

Residents should plan ahead by gathering necessary documentation and scheduling appointments early in the tax season, as appointment availability may be limited. The multilingual support and multiple locations throughout the county make these services accessible to a broad range of residents.

For the most current information about program schedules, locations, and eligibility requirements, residents should contact the programs directly or visit their official websites.

Sources

1. MyMCMedia - VITA Program Information
2. Montgomery County Public Library - Tax-Aide Information
3. Montgomery County CASHBACK - VITA Program Schedule
4. Sierra Club Montgomery County - Testimony
5. Montgomery County Government - CASHBACK Information
6. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Maryland