Shopper Deals: Free Tax Preparation Services Available in Coweta

By LaTINA EMERSON, The Coweta Shopper Deals

Tax season has returned, and Coweta County residents who need to file their federal and state income taxes can get free tax preparation assistance from several organizations.

These free services are being offered by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program and the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Learn how to take advantage of these complimentary services:

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program offers free tax preparation services by trained volunteers who are IRS-certified each year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code, according to the organization’s website.

The program is focused on taxpayers who are 50 and older and have low to moderate income, but all taxpayers can receive this complimentary service. AARP membership isn’t required. Volunteers will file tax returns electronically.

This year, Coweta residents can get assistance from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Central Library, 85 Literary Lane in Sharpsburg. The free tax preparation services will be offered from Feb. 4 to April 15, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Appointments are required to receive the tax services. To make an appointment, call the Central Library at 770-683-2052.

Also, for one day only, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program volunteers will provide free tax preparation assistance on Thursday, March 13 at the Heard County Public Library at 564 Main Street in Franklin, Ga. For questions about tax services at this location, call 706-675-6501.

Prior to the appointment or walk-in visit, taxpayers are asked to obtain the tax interview packet from either the Central or Heard Country libraries and complete the documents beforehand.

Taxpayers will need to bring the following to their tax preparation session:

• Government-issued photo ID for each taxpayer
• Social Security cards or other official documentation that shows taxpayer identification numbers for yourself and all dependents
• Checking or savings account information if taxpayers want to direct-deposit any refund(s) or direct-debit any amounts due
• Last year’s (2024) income tax return
• W-2 forms from all employers
• Unemployment compensation statements
• SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits
• All 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends and documents showing original purchase price of any sold assets/stocks
• 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income
• 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity
• All forms indicating federal income tax paid
• Dependent care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)
• 1098 form showing home mortgage interest
• Summary of medical/dental/vision expenses, including doctor and hospital bills and medical insurance premiums, prescription medicines, assisted living services, long-term insurance and bills for medical-related home improvements such as ramps and railings for individuals with disabilities
• Summary of cash and noncash contributions to charity
• Property tax bills paid during the year (frequently shown on mortgage statement)
• 1095-A forms if you purchased insurance through the marketplace (exchange).

For more information or to find additional AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program locations, visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax preparation assistance for households that earn $67,000 or less annually. During tax season, eight Goodwill locations in the region will offer free tax preparation services with IRS-certified volunteers. Appointments are required.

VITA sites are certified to prepare taxes for all U.S. states, military service members, low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speakers.

In Coweta County, the VITA site is Goodwill Thomas Crossroads at 3121 Highway 34 East in Newnan. Through April 15, taxpayers can receive free assistance on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. After the tax deadline, taxpayers can get assistance with prior year tax returns through September 2025. To make an appointment, call 833-755-2179 or visit https://www.goodwillsr.org/freetaxes.

To make an appointment online, click on “Make an Appointment” and choose the filing option that works best for you. These options include in-person appointment, drop off and filing virtually.

Taxpayers who make up to $79,000 annually can visit https://myfreetaxes.com to get help with preparing their taxes.

For IRS VITA Program tax preparation appointments, taxpayers should bring the following items:

• Social Security cards for yourself, spouse and all dependents (no photocopies)
• W-2s for each job that each person in the household held in 2024
• Photo ID (government issued) for the taxpayer and spouse, if filing jointly (no photocopies)
• Health insurance for 1095 A/B/C
• 1099s such as unemployment, Social Security, school loans, healthcare reimbursement, state tax refund, gambling winnings, contract work and interest/dividends reported to the IRS
• Form 1098 for your mortgage statement (if applicable)
• Childcare expenses
• Last year’s tax returns
• Bank account information (for direct deposit)

For more information on filing taxes or to find additional locations offering free tax assistance, visit https://www.goodwillsr.org/freetaxes. The regional Goodwill tax preparation centers for in-person or drop-off include Newnan (Thomas Crossroads), Columbus, Valdosta, LaGrange, Opelika, Ala., Phenix City, Ala., Phenix City Housing Authority or Victory Mission. To make an appointment at any of these locations, call 833-755-2179.

To learn more about the IRS VITA Program or find additional VITA sites, visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-vita-grant-program or https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.