Get unlimited local news and information that matters to you.

Free tax preparation in Bellingham starts in February

Tax-Aide will offer tax preparation help for people regardless of age or income

By Annie Todd Criminal Justice/Enterprise Reporter

It’s never too early to start organizing your 2024 tax returns for the April 15 tax day deadline.

And in Bellingham, Tax-Aide, a service of the AARP Foundation, will be offering free tax preparation services starting Saturday, Feb. 1 and lasting until April 12 at First Congregation Church (2401 Cornwall Ave).

Volunteers, who are IRS-certified, will be at the church from 3–6:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and then from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, said Carlton Nathon, the district coordinator for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. Doors open 15 minutes before the start time and Spanish translation services will be offered on Saturdays.

Last year, more than 1,000 Whatcom County families received help from Tax-Aide. There are no restrictions on age or income.

However, those who have taxable farm income, rental property, returns with more than $35,000 in business expenses, or otherwise complicated returns are ineligible for the program.

For those wishing to participate in the Tax Aide event, please bring all applicable W-2 and 1099 forms, any other applicable tax information and a copy of last year’s returns, if you have them. People who’ve purchased health insurance through the WA Health Plan Finder will need to bring their 1095-A form, which will be mailed to them.

Social Security cards or other documents issued by the Social Security Administration will be required for all taxpayers and dependents as proof of Social Security number. A picture ID is also required for the main taxpayer and spouse.

Clients who have a 2023 return prepared by AARP can use the documents as proof of Social Security numbers.

Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.


Latest stories

Previously on Whatcom Creek, bridge will be repurposed for trail project near Cornwall Park
Feb. 16, 2025 9:00 p.m.
66-acre property acquisition funded by Greenways Levy 
Feb. 16, 2025 9:00 p.m.
Washington state faces a budget shortfall, and this facility is the only center north of Seattle
Feb. 16, 2025 9:00 p.m.

Have a news tip?

Subscribe to our free newsletters