Taxpayers can receive free tax preparation services at many Seattle Public Library locations, senior centers and other community sites. The service is a collaboration between SPL, United Way of King County and AARP, with no age, job or retirement requirements to receive free help.
Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns (not available for business tax returns). Some sites offer drop-in assistance, others are appointment-based, others provide assistance for individuals filing online but who have a few questions (no appointment necessary).
See the Tax Help webpage for a list of all free tax sites and documents required.
Federal taxes this year are due by Tuesday, April 18 (the deadline has been extended because Monday, April 17, is Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C.)
The Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St., offers tax help by appointment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Feb. 2. Call 206-297-0875 for an appointment.
The Ballard Northwest Senior Center, 5429 32nd Ave. NW, offers appointments from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, starting Feb. 1. Call 206-297-0403 for an appointment.
The following are the drop-in sites closest to our neighborhood, with help offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Ballard Library, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., from 2:30-7 p.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 2 through April 17 (closed Feb. 20 for Presidents Day).
- Broadview Library, 12755 Greenwood Ave. N., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, from Feb. 3 through April 15.
- Green Lake Library, 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N., from 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays, from Feb. 7 through April 18.
- Solid Ground, 1501 N. 45th St. in Wallingford, from 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, now through April 18 (for households making less than $64,000 a year).
