The 2026 tax filing season has begun, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now receiving and processing millions of returns. Preparing taxes can cost hundreds of dollars, but several programs offer Ohioans free tax assistance.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and returned nearly $57 million in refunds and credits to Ohio households during the 2025 tax season, according to a news release. While the service has a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 with a low to moderate income, the volunteer-led program is open to all eligible taxpayers and you don’t have to be an AARP member to qualify.
Here’s what to know about the program and how to find out if you qualify.
AARP opens free tax prep service to all eligible Ohio taxpayers
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is considered the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program that is open now through April 15, the deadline to file taxes in 2026. Tax-Aide services are available at 224 locations across communities in a majority of Ohio’s counties.
Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare most, but not all, tax returns. More complex filings, such as returns involving small businesses with employees, rental income or the alternative minimum tax, may not be eligible for preparation, according to the program’s website.
“Tax-Aide puts real money back into Ohio households and local communities,” said Jenny Carlson, state director of AARP Ohio in a statement. “This free, IRS-certified service helps people claim the refunds and credits they’ve earned — without hidden fees. For many Ohioans, especially those living on fixed or modest incomes, that refund can make a meaningful difference in covering everyday expenses like food, utilities, and medicine.”
The program notes that last year, 1,165 IRS-certified volunteers helped 72,614 Ohioans at 167 sites, securing $56.8 million in refunds and credits, including more than $5.2 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.
Who qualifies for AARP’s free tax assistance?
The program is open to any eligible taxpayer and AARP membership is not required. Tax-Aide has a particular focus on assisting adults age 50 and older with low to moderate income, but you do not have to be a senior to use the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service.
Filers should bring all required documents, including a copy of last year’s tax return, income forms, a government-issued photo ID and Social Security or ITIN documentation. Additional forms may be required.
Types of AARP free tax preparation services
Tax-Aide offers traditional in-person tax preparation and online options, according to AARP. Assistance types vary by location and are subject to change.
Where to find AARP free tax help in Ohio
Tax-Aide operates at more than 200 locations across Ohio. To find a nearby Tax-Aide site and see which services are available, visit taxaide.aarpfoundation.org or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
Additional free online tax filing services
Taxpayers wanting to file their returns for free can do so through other online services such as IRS Free File, which is available for those who earned $89,000 adjusted gross income (AGI) or less.
Filers can prepare and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost using the IRS Free File tax preparation software, but the IRS notes that an IRS Free File Guided Tax provider may charge a fee for state return preparation, if the filer doesn’t meet eligibility criteria or exceeds the program’s AGI threshold.
Tax software companies often have free plans for simple returns, CNBC reports. The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. MilTax offers free tax filing for members of the military.
What is the deadline to file state and federal taxes in 2026?
Both federal and Ohio state tax returns are due Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Taxpayers may request an extension to file through Oct. 15.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: AARP offering free tax filing assistance for Ohio taxpayers in 2026
Reporting by Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
