In partnership with the AARP Tax-Aide program, the Oakland Public Library typically offers free tax assistance to patrons from February through April. Trained volunteers are available to help residents fill out their tax forms at five library locations. Some help is by appointment, and some is drop-in. Spanish language help is available at the Cesar Chavez Branch.

In 2020, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide tax assistance program came to a sudden halt in mid-March due to COVID-19. Regrettably, AARP counselors won’t be available to prepare tax returns until the 2021 tax season. For more information about the program, visit their website or dial 1-888-227-7669.

The 2020 deadline to file has been extended to July 15th. To find help, you can

Explore online options listed on earnitkeepitsaveit.org

Call 211

Call (510) 693-3043 or visit https://ebaldc.org/vita/ (may be able to provide limited in-person help)

If you need more information about stimulus payments, or do not file taxes and need to register in order to receive your money, visit the IRS site

Tax Forms

Due to severe budget cuts, the IRS is no longer providing libraries with a large selection of paper tax forms and instructions. If you need tax forms, you can download them from the IRS website. Although you can typically also visit the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1301 Clay Street in downtown Oakland for forms, they are closed due to COVID-19.