Free Tax Help in Houston with Baker-Ripley & more

photo: Baker-Ripley

Organizations around Houston are offering free tax assistance for moderate to low-income families and individuals. Other opportunities are geared to everyone. Here is a list of some tax assistance options around Houston this tax season:

Baker-Ripley (formerly Neighborhood Centers Inc.) is sponsoring free tax preparation by IRS-certified tax preparers until April 17. Families and individuals earning up to $58,000 can receive assistance on their returns. Free electronic filing is included, too. Eleven tax centers are available throughout Houston. Find the locations and hours online. Baker-Ripley is a 110-year-old Houston nonprofit that provides a variety of programs and services for youth, families, and seniors. The organization has prepared more than 288,000 tax returns since it started this free service in 2009, saving families $200 on their return.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free income tax preparation services for moderate to low-income families — especially those age 50 and older. There are more than 50 Tax-Aide locations throughout Houston and 5,000 around the country. Search online by zip code here.

Both Houston Public Library and Harris County Public Library also are offering free tax assistance from AARP volunteers through April 17. A detailed calendar for Harris County library is here. Many tax services are for all ages, while other times focus on the elderly and low/moderate incomes. Houston Public Library has its own tax-assistance calendar for dates and times at specific branches. The free service at Houston Public Library is geared to low-to-moderate incomes with special attention to those age 60+. First-come, first-served.