Ben Franklin once said, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While tax season can be stressful, you don’t have to face it alone. Johnson County Library (JCL) is here to help, offering free tax preparation services through a partnership with AARP and connecting taxpayers to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through K-State Research and Extension in Johnson County. Remember, the deadline to file your taxes is April 15.
What We Offer at JCL:
-
AARP Tax-Aide Assistance: Get free help with filling out and filing your tax returns, available for adults with or without a Library card. IRS-certified AARP volunteers will assist with tax preparation and e-filing.
-
Federal Income Tax Forms: Limited printed copies are available at the Library, but most forms can be accessed online for free. We do not provide printed state forms.
-
Computer & Printing Access: Need to access or print tax forms? Use our free computers and print for a small fee, with mobile and remote printing options now available.
-
Connections to VITA Services: We connect eligible taxpayers to the KC Metro Tax Coalition’s VITA program, offering free assistance for households earning $67,000 or less.
AARP Tax-Aide at Johnson County Library
The AARP Tax-Aide program, a nationwide initiative, has partnered with JCL for nearly 10 years, according to Regional Librarian Bryan Voell. Last year, volunteers assisted about 800 Kansas residents at Oak Park Library. This year, the program has moved to Central Resource Library, providing free space for AARP volunteers and taxpayers. Across Johnson County, thousands benefit from these services, securing millions in refunds and saving hundreds of thousands in tax-preparation fees.
“We see this as an extension of our services,” said Voell. “Ultimately, libraries are dedicated to free and open access to resources. This program is for people, regardless of income or class, to have access to free tax professionals who can assist them if they are unable to do it on their own.”
The program is open to everyone, with a focus on those over 50 and individuals with low to moderate incomes. AARP membership is not required. IRS-certified volunteers—including retired CPAs, tax preparers and community members—help run the program. In 2023, 75 volunteers assisted with over 2,500 tax returns in Johnson County.
“Taxpayers are so appreciative and thankful for the help getting their tax returns filed each year,” said Bill Kelm, one of the AARP volunteers in Johnson County. “It’s great getting to know other volunteers and taxpayers who return each year.”
Kelm added that he enjoys volunteering because he knows he is helping others.
“Volunteering with the AARP Tax-Aide Program allows me to leverage my work-life skills in retirement, helping those in our community get an accurate tax return filed and receive the maximum refund they are entitled to,” he said.
Connecting You to VITA
JCL helps promote the KC Metro Tax Coalition’s VITA program, which offers free tax preparation for households earning $67,000 or less. In 2024, the program served 1,469 households, completed over 1,600 returns and secured $1.4 million in net refunds while saving taxpayers $435,325 in fees. Returns are filed electronically.
“The Johnson County Library assists us greatly in communicating this service, reaching a wide geographic area and adults of all ages,” said Joy Miller, extension agent with K-State in Johnson County. She noted that participation increased last year thanks to Library outreach.
Additional Tax Assistance Locations
In addition to JCL’s Central Resource location, AARP offers tax services at the Sylvester Powell Community Center, Overland Park Christian Church, Olathe’s Indian Creek Library, Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Colonial Church and Hillcrest churches in Prairie Village and Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lenexa.
How to Get Help
-
AARP Tax-Aide Appointments & Info: Visit www.kstaxaide.com or call 913-735-5489.
-
VITA Tax Help: Visit www.johnson.k-state.edu or call 913-715-7000.
-
Federal & State Tax Forms: Find more information in the Guide from our Librarians.
While paying taxes is one of the few certainties in life, it’s not one you have to endure alone. Thanks to AARP, the KC Metro Tax Coalition K-State Extension VITA program and JCL, there is help.