Free Tax Preparation Services Offered in Coweta County

By LaTina Emerson

The April 15th deadline to file federal and state income taxes is quickly approaching. Instead of paying hefty tax preparation fees, Coweta County residents can get their taxes prepared free of charge by knowledgeable tax volunteers.

Free tax preparation 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 free services:

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free tax preparation services each year through trained, IRS-certified volunteers. This certification ensures that volunteers understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code, according to the program’s website.

The program focuses on low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older, 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 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Central Library, 85 Literary Lane in Sharpsburg. The free tax preparation services will be offered until April 15.

Appointments are required. 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 12 at the Heard County Public Library at 564 Main Street in Franklin, Ga. No appointment is required. For questions, call 706-675-6501.

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

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

• Current year’s tax forms and preparation booklet
• Copy of last year’s income tax return
• W-2 forms from each employer
• Unemployment compensation statements
• SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits
• All 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends and documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets
• 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income
• 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity
• All forms indicating federal income paid
• Dependent care provider information
• All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions
• Healthcare – Forms 1095-A if taxpayers or dependents have marketplace insurance
• Government-issued photo ID for the taxpayer(s) on the return
• Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents
• Checking or savings account info for direct deposit of refund or direct debit of balance due

To find other AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program locations, call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax preparation assistance to households earning $67,000 or less each year. During tax season, four 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 by appointment only, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. After the tax deadline, taxpayers can get assistance with back taxes starting May 2026 through September 2026. To make an appointment, call 833-755-2179 or visit https://www.goodwillsr.org/freetaxes.

When making an appointment online, click on “Book Your Tax Appointment” and choose the filing service option that best fits your circumstances. Then, look on the calendar to find an available appointment day and time and book the appointment.

Taxpayers can also sign up to receive virtual assistance with their tax preparation at https://www.getyourrefund.org/en.

For 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 2025
• 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 appointments include Thomas Crossroads in Newnan, Columbus Career Center in Columbus, Ga. (Monday through Friday), Victory Mission in Columbus, Ga. (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), and Phenix City Housing Authority in Phenix City, Ala. (Monday through Thursday). 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/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers or https://freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator.