Free Tax Services

Get your taxes done for free at the library

Beginning February 2nd until April 13th,  AARP Tax-Aide will be doing taxes for Carnegie Library of Homestead patrons for free every Tuesday and Thursday from Noon to 4 PM.

You must schedule an appointment beforehand. Please call the library to make an appointment and you MUST read the information below to ensure you bring everything required for your appointment. Your taxes will not be done if you do not bring everything required.

The online intake form can be filled out here: http://taxaide-pittsburgh.com/

Your 2023 Tax Appointment at the Carnegie Library of Homestead

1. We provide FREE Federal, State and Local income tax preparation and e-filing.  For the safety of our preparers and customers, we have adopted the following procedures.
a. All taxpayers (and preparers) must use COVID-safe protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining a safe distance when possible.
b. Your return will be prepared during one visit. However, in order to minimize in-person interaction, we may ask that you wait outside (in another room of the site or outside in your car) after your initial interview. We will call you when the return is ready for review and signing – approximately 30-45 minutes later.

2. AARP Tax-Aide reserves the right to refuse service to any taxpayer who does not meet our safety, eligibility or conduct criteria. Eligible taxpayers include all taxpayers, regardless of income, as long as the tax code provisions of the return are within AARP TaxAide scope and the training of the preparer.

Examples of taxpayers that are considered “out-of-scope” (this is not a complete list) include:
a. Business owners (Schedule C) with total expenses greater than $35,000 or who have inventory, depreciable assets, employee expenses or business use of home.
b. Taxpayers with rental income.
c. Taxpayers with taxable Roth distributions
d. Taxpayers subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax,
e. Taxpayers who have donated depreciable property
f. Taxpayers eligible for Section 199A deduction and income exceeding $157,500.
g. Taxpayers seeking to claim the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit.
h. Taxpayers with Qualified Adoption Expenses.

3. Please arrive 5-15 minutes early to complete a required eight-page Interview Form (unless you have filled it out online and printed it in advance).

4. Everyone MUST bring last year’s tax returns. Very Important!

5. Required documents in order to have return started:
a. Photo ID (REQUIRED).
b. Social Security Cards or comparable documentation for you, your spouse, and all dependents (if applicable).
c. Income related documents: Forms W2, Unemployment compensation statements, SSA 1099, 1099R, other 1099 forms and any other relevant tax documents.
d. Expense related documents: IF YOU EXPECT TO ITEMIZE, checks and forms showing federal and state taxes paid, 1098 forms, documentation of medical, dental, charity, or business expenses, any vehicle and property taxes, and mortgage interest paid.  Receipts for expenses need to be in reasonable order and legible. Documentation for any employment-related expenses that may be deductible for State or Local Tax.  Documentation for any expenses related to in-scope self-employment related income.  Property tax or rental records if you wish to file for a Pennsylvania rebate.
e. Brokerage statements or other documentation showing the cost basis (purchase price) and date purchased for all securities or property sold or transferred.
f. Health insurance information: If you purchased Health Insurance in the Marketplace, you must bring Form 1095-A.
g. If you are divorced, you must provide the date the divorce became final.
h. If you receive a pension/annuity, please bring the date payments began.
i. A check with your name printed on it for direct deposit/debit of any refund/balance due or a Bank Card showing your savings account and routing number. A check in your checkbook is acceptable. We simply need to SEE the check or Bank Card. It will be returned to you.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest nationwide volunteer-based free tax preparation service. In 2020, 1.5 million taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds.

Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. and Pennsylvania Tax Code. We can e-file your Federal, Pennsylvania and local EIT income tax returns, and your Pennsylvania Rent/Property Tax Rebate return. We make sure you claim the tax refund, credits, and deductions you have earned.

Please see our list of open sites and schedules for 2023 at our website: taxaide-pittsburgh.com.

For more information about AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, including what type of service is available where, and which documents you need to file your taxes, visit taxaide-pittsburgh.com or aarpfoundation.org/taxaide, or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).