Income Tax Assistance

The DC Public Library is offering free tax preparation help from Feb. 1 through April 15. 
(See below for dates and times for neighborhood libraries.)

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Who is eligible?

Income limitations change from year to year, but in general, we provide help for individuals with incomes below $35,000, and families with incomes below $51,000.

We help with federal tax returns for the current year or prior years.

Senior citizens have priority for help.

Who is not eligible?

Because of the difficulty involved, we do not prepare returns for cab drivers, individuals with rental income, day traders, and individuals with businesses that have inventory or depreciation such as Mary Kay or Avon. We also cannot prepare complicated items reported on Schedule D, or returns for individuals with large amounts of investment income. This is not a complete list and there may be other instances when we cannot prepare a return.

What time can I come in?

Partnership with Community Tax Aid Inc. (Low-income residents have priority.)
Tax assistance starts Jan. 28. 

Mondays and Tuesdays 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursdays 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sundays 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Please be prepared to wait, particularly during the most popular time, which typically is Saturday mornings.   Wait times are generally shorter in late February and March.

Where do I go?

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001, Rooms A-9 and A-10  

What should I bring?

We cannot serve you unless you bring a valid ID and proof of Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) for each individual to be claimed on your tax return. For a complete list of documents you need to bring, please call 1-877-SAVE-515.

You must bring originals or copies of ONE of the following items for each individual.

  • Social Security Card, Social Security Statement, or letter/notice from the Social Security Administration (If you need a new card, you can visit Social Security at 2100 M St. NW. Call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.)
  • Federal Pension or Annuity Statement
  • ITIN card or letter

What you will need to bring:

  • Photo ID for taxpayers (and spouse, if filing jointly)
  • Proof of social security number (see above)
  • Last year’s tax return, if you have it
  • Bank account and routing numbers if you want to receive your refund faster

Income Information:

  • W-2 or 1099 for each job unless paid in cash
  • Social Security statement
  • Pension or annuity statement
  • Statements showing the amount of unemployment, bank interest, or any other income received
  • Any other tax papers you received including any notices from the IRS or state tax agency

Neighborhood Libraries

Who is eligible?

Some neighborhood libraries are partnering with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program to offer tax-preparation and electronic filing to low- and middle-income taxpayers.  While there is no age limit, special attention is given to people age 60 and older.  AARP does not prepare paper tax forms.

Walk-ins are welcome.  All service is first come, first serve. To ensure an accurate filing, please bring as many of the following documents:

  • A valid photo identification
  • Your 2012 federal and state tax returns
  • Copies of all 2011 W-2s, 1099s, and any other proof of income for you and/or your spouse
  • A copy of your real estate tax bill for 2012 if you are a homeowner
  • Social Security cards or ITIN cards or letters for you and/or your spouse and any other people on your return
  • A voided blank check for direct deposit of your refund

Depending on the sources of your income, more documents may be needed.

Where can I get help? When is it open?

The tax preparation schedule for neighborhood libraries participating in the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is:

Anacostia Library
1800 Good Hope Rd. SE
Starts Feb. 5
Tuesdays  - 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Capitol View Library
5001 Central Ave. SE
Starts Feb. 5
Tuesdays - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursdays - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lamond-Riggs Library
5401 South Dakota Ave. NE
Starts Feb. 6
Wednesdays  - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thursdays - 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Fridays - 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Mt. Pleasant Library
Starts Feb. 2
3160 16th St. NW
Mondays - 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays - 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Northwest One Library
155 L St. NW
Starts Feb. 1
Fridays - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Petworth Library
4200 Kansas Ave. NW
Starts Feb. 1
Mondays - 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Fridays - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Southwest Library
900 Wesley Pl. SW
Starts Feb. 1
Mondays - 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursdays - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Takoma Park Library
416 Cedar St. NW
Starts Feb. 5
Tuesdays - 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For information about the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, visit AARP.

If you don't have your W2 by Jan. 31, you must request it from your employer. If you have not received it 30 days after you ask, you can contact the IRS (800-829-1040) for assistance.