• By Nicole Harterink
• Posted Thursday, January 23, 2025

Get free tax assistance and tax forms at several locations in Winston-Salem

AARP WS Tax-Aide and VITA Forsyth FreeTax Program are accepting appointments for free tax assistance at four Forsyth County Public Library branches (Central Library, Clemmons Branch, Reynolda Manor Branch, and Southside Branch). Hours and days of operation vary by location, and assistance is by appointment only, so be sure to visit the Library's online calendar.

VITA Forsyth Free Tax Program is also accepting walk-ins at Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) at 3480 Dominion St. from Monday, Jan. 27 until Tuesday, April 15.

Book ahead

Fewer organizations are hosting free tax assistance this year, so it's important to make your appointment soon.

• VITA appointments at Central Library or ESR can be scheduled by calling 336-714-9206.
• AARP WS Tax-Aide appointments can be made online or by calling 336-777-6189.

Be prepared with paperwork

Federal 1040 forms and instructions are available to pick up at Forsyth County Central Library. Call your local Library branch to see which forms are available to pick up. All federal and state tax forms and instructions are linked from the 2025 Free Tax Assistance Flyer .

AARP WS Tax-Aide appointments require completed tax packets, which are available for pick up at Central, Clemmons, Reynolda, and Southside branches. Packets can also be downloaded and printed from the AARP WS Tax-Aid website.

Whether your appointment is with AARP or VITA, you also need to bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Photo ID for taxpayer (and spouse if filing jointly)
• Last year’s tax return
• All documents reflecting earnings
• W-2s, 1099s, Social Security statements (SSA-1099)
• Social Security ID or ITIN ID of each person on the tax return
• All childcare provider names, addresses and employer ID numbers (EIN) or SS numbers
• Evidence of deductible expenses
• Income and expenses for sole proprietorship (Schedule C)
• 1095-A form if health care coverage is through Marketplace (ACA) insurance
• Checking or savings account number for direct deposit of a refund

Library staff and volunteers are NOT able to provide any tax assistance or advice regarding tax forms or tax returns.

Update: VITA Forsyth Free Tax Program has had to cancel its weekly tax assistance services at Central Library. Appointments will now be at Experiment in Self-Reliance on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. from now through Saturday, April 12.