Tax-Aide returns to BCS Libraries, offers free help to prepare income tax returns
The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program will be available once again at the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. This annual community service provides help with income tax preparation and electronic filing. It’s free and open to all Brazos Valley residents but an appointment is required.
Tax-Aide volunteers will be at Larry J. Ringer Library from Feb. 2 – April 15 and Clara B. Mounce Library from Feb. 5 – April 11.
Step 1: Obtain a Tax-Aide packet
You may obtain a packet of instructions beginning Monday, Jan. 26 at the Mounce or Ringer libraries, or you can download the packet online.
Download a packet from the BCS Tax-Aide website.
Once you obtain a packet, complete the enclosed forms and assemble your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) before coming to your appointment.
Step 2: Schedule an appointment
Beginning Jan. 26, you can schedule appointments online (preferred) or by phone. Do not delay. Time slots fill up quickly!
Schedule an appointment on the BCS Tax-Aide Website.
To schedule by phone, call 979-217-1778 to make an appointment at either library location. The phone will be staffed Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tax-Aide cannot return messages, so please wait a few minutes, and try again until you get through.
Mounce Tax-Aide Hours
Feb. 5 – April 11
- Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- NOTE: Closed Friday, April 3 – Saturday April 4 (Good Friday holiday)
Ringer Tax-Aide Hours
Feb. 2 – April 15
- Monday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m – 1 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- NOTE: Closed Friday, April 3 – Saturday April 4 (Good Friday holiday)
Step 3: What to expect at your appointment
- During your appointment, a Tax-Aide volunteer will verify your identity, review your Tax-Aide packet, and then direct you to a trained volunteer tax preparer. The preparer will meet with you and complete your return.
- Next, you will meet with another preparer to review and double-check the return.
- Finally, we will ask you to sign your return to show your approval and to allow electronic filing. The entire process will take two to three hours.
Remember to complete your paperwork and bring proper identification: driver’s license or other photo ID for taxpayer and spouse who are at the site and social security cards or ITINs for everyone on the return. Also be sure to bring the Identity Protection PIN, if one was issued by the IRS, for everyone.
We will also need Form 1095-A for anyone with ACA Health Insurance. This will ensure that your income tax return can be promptly prepared and electronically filed.
