AARP Tax Preparation Assistance

Happy New Year! Volunteers will once again provide free, electronic tax return preparation service at the Estes Valley Library, with appointments beginning on February 3 and continuing through April 14.

Since 2005, the Estes Valley Library has hosted the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide services. The program is staffed by local volunteers who train in tax law and certify with the IRS. Appointments can be made to have both Federal and Colorado returns completed and electronically filed. The Library partners by dedicating space, scheduling appointments and providing information to those using the service.

Thanks for your interest! And we’ll see you at the Library!

Make an Appointment and Prepare

• Before making an appointment with tax aides, please collect all necessary tax documents for your situation (W2s, 1099 forms, brokerage statements, etc).
• Taxpayers must make an appointment either in person or by calling the library at 970-586-8116 or using the Library’s website. Make only one appointment! You will receive an email confirmation at the email address used to register, as well as a reminder telephone call the day before your appointment. Please cancel or reschedule appointments if necessary by calling the Library.
• Questions about your taxes should be directed to AARP Tax Aides by phone at 970-415-1372 or by email at estesvalleytaxes@gmail.com.
• Patrons should prepare by picking up an Intake Packet in person at the Library front desk. Intake forms should be completed as best as possible prior to the tax preparation appointment.

What to Expect at the Appointment

• Tax returns will be completed during an in-person meeting on the Library’s second floor in the Wasson Room.
• Taxpayers will be greeted outside the Wasson Room. A volunteer will check to see that all intake and tax documents are complete, and ensure that taxpayers acknowledge health protocols before their appointment.
• Taxpayers must remain with their personal documents in the Wasson Room during the entire process which includes an interview and preparation of the return, followed by a thorough review by a second tax counselor.
• Upon successful completion of the process, the federal and state returns will be printed and the taxpayer(s) will sign forms giving permission to electronically file the returns. If a joint return, both spouses must be present.
• After all required forms are signed, the returns will be electronically submitted and the taxpayers will be given an envelope containing all of their documents and copies of tax returns for their record.
• If any payments are due, vouchers and mailing envelopes will be provided.
• Taxpayers will not be contacted further unless a return is rejected for any reason.

Health Requirement

Tax-Aide service requires all individuals, both volunteers and taxpayer clients, to acknowledge that they have no respiratory illness symptoms in order to protect everyone during in-person appointments. If anyone is sick, they should stay home and reschedule their appointment.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

1. Completed intake packet, with consents signed if desired
2. Last year’s (2023) federal and state tax returns
3. Photo ID – Driver’s license or state ID preferred for each taxpayer (and spouse)
4. Social Security number or ITIN card for everyone on return
5. All official tax forms, either originals or legible copies – for example:
   • W-2 issued from employers
   • 1099 forms (for IRAs, Social Security, pensions, interest, dividends, capital gains)
   • Any 1098 forms received
   • Forms 1095-A if health insurance was acquired through Connect for Health Colorado or the federal insurance marketplace
   • Complete year-end investment brokerage statements that may include interest, dividends or capital gains from stock sales (bring all pages, not just summary page)
   • Any K-1 statements
6. Itemized deductions are rare but if you think you might qualify, bring summaries of out-of-pocket medical expenses including vehicle mileage for health care and all health insurance premiums, car registrations, property taxes and mortgage interest paid (Form 1098), and charitable contributions including vehicle mileage. If a car has been purchased, bring the sales document showing sales tax paid and taxes paid to Larimer County when registering the vehicle.
7. For Colorado tax benefits, bring a list of all charitable contributions (cash and/or items donated to a local charity), Health Savings Account (HSA) forms, and annual statement for long-term health care insurance premiums. 
8. If self-employed, bring a list of total income and business-related expenses plus vehicle mileage data related to your business.
9. 2023 (or most recent) tax return if available.
10. Any letters received from the IRS.
11. Identity theft PIN (IPPN) – annual update issued by IRS (if applicable).
12. Bank account information for direct deposit of any refunds (voided check is best).
13. Power of Attorney for someone not able to come to the library.

Need to cancel your appointment or reschedule?

Contact the library at 970-586-8116 or email answers@estesvalleylibrary.org for help cancelling and rescheduling appointments.

Need tax forms? The Library will have a supply of basic forms and booklets once received from the IRS. Or you can print your own forms anytime from IRS.gov or the State of Colorado.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance FAQ

Am I eligible for the service?

Although service to seniors and low-income residents is a core objective, don’t be deterred by the “Retired Persons” wording in AARP’s acronym. There are no age or income restrictions for the service. Returns with most basic forms of income, deductions, and credits are included. 

Not allowed in Tax-Aide service: residential rental income, property depreciation, self-employment net losses, estate or trust returns, and any out-of-state returns. Most residential energy credits are allowed however we are restricted from processing credits for solar energy installation. Also, we are not allowed to prepare your return if you own or transact virtual currency.

Anything I should do before my appointment?

An intake packet must be completed before your appointment. You can pick one up at the Library anytime beforehand. The Intake form is available in Spanish as well as English.

What should I bring on the day of my appointment?

Bring photo identification for each taxpayer plus social security (or ITIN) number verification for everyone on your tax return. Also bring your prior year’s tax return for reference. Bring any IRS letters you received. Bring the usual tax documents for all types of income, and documentation to support potential deductions. For a joint return, both spouses must be present to sign electronic submission documents.

How is the program staying COVID-19-safe?

Although protective requirements have been relaxed, certain safeguards will still be in place. If conditions change, local guidelines issued by Larimer County or local authorities will be followed. Since in-person tax service will be provided, your cooperation will be appreciated by acknowledging that you are free of symptoms and have not been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive in the ten days prior to your appointment. AARP requires we report any positive tests that occur among our volunteers and taxpayer clients.