Free Tax Preparation Help

A variety of resources are available to help Northeast Ohio residents with tax preparation.

Contact 2-1-1 or the organizations listed below to apply for tax assistance programs.

Ashtabula:
In Ashtabula County, the Ashtabula County District Library is taking appointments for the free tax preparation services provided by AARP Tax Aide. Appointments take place on Mondays in Geneva and Fridays in Ashtabula, February 5-April 14, 2024. You must come into either the Ashtabula or Geneva library branch to make an appointment. Contact the Ashtabula County District Library at 440-997-9341 to learn more.

Cuyahoga: 
The Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition provides free tax preparation to eligible clients from IRS-certified volunteers. Individuals or families earning up to $60,000 a year qualify for free tax preparation services. Translation services are available in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Arabic. Dial 2-1-1 or schedule an appointment online with the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition.

Lake:
During tax season Lifeline will provide tax preparation assistance for the community through the VITA Program.  This program, in partnership with the IRS, will allow low to moderate-income households to participate in free tax preparation sessions with IRS-certified tax preparation volunteers. Applicants must live in Lake County and meet program income eligibility. Visit Lifeline's website for information, or call 2-1-1 for more details.

Lorain:
Led by the United Way of Greater Lorain County, the Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition trains and certifies volunteer tax preparers through the IRS and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Families and individuals who made $60,000 or less are, in general, able to connect to VITA free tax preparation services. Tax preparation is available at four locations throughout Lorain County. For more information and to make an appointment, call 2-1-1.

Geauga: 
During tax season Lifeline will provide tax preparation assistance for the community through the VITA Program.  This program, in partnership with the IRS, will allow low to moderate-income households to participate in free tax preparation sessions with IRS-certified tax preparation volunteers. Applicants must live in Geauga County and meet program income eligibility. Visit Lifeline's website for information, or call 2-1-1 for more details.

Geauga County Public Library also offers free tax services through AARP. There are no residency, age, or income requirements to utilize this service. Appointments begin February 1 and will be held at each branch on the following days of the week:

• Mondays at Bainbridge - 440-543-5611
• Tuesdays at Middlefield - 440-632-1961
• Wednesdays at Chardon - 440-285-7601
• Thursdays at Geauga West - 440-729-4250
• One Friday a month at Thompson - 440-298-3831

To schedule an appointment, please call the library branch and speak with the reference department.

Last updated February 8, 2024