Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Ohio residents can receive expert tax preparation help at no cost this tax season through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program. Tax-Aide sites are now open across Ohio through April 15, offering several in-person and remote options depending on location.
During the 2025 tax season, 1,165 IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteers served 72,614 Ohioans at 167 sites statewide, helping taxpayers claim more than $56.8 million in state and federal refunds and credits, including over $5.2 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).
“Tax-Aide puts real money back into Ohio households and local communities,” said Jenny Carlson, State Director of AARP Ohio. “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.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide focuses on assisting adults age 50 and older with low to moderate income, but the program is open to any eligible taxpayer, and AARP membership is not required. All Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the tax code.
How to get help
In addition to traditional in-person tax preparation, Tax-Aide offers several options designed to meet taxpayers where they are. Assistance types vary by location and are subject to change.
Available options may include:
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).
Tax-Aide services are available at 224 locations across communities in a majority of Ohio’s counties.
