Tax Help

Tax Help

Oakland Public Library works with the AARP Foundation, opens a new window to provide free tax help during tax season, usually February through the April tax deadline.

Step 1: Schedule your Appointment

Call to schedule an appointment for free help with your tax return from AARP and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs. Dates and times are subject to volunteer availability.

Dimond Branch, opens a new window

Appointments Open Feb 2

3565 Fruitvale Avenue

Oakland, CA 94602

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 929-2489

Mon & Tues: 10am - 3pm

(CLOSED 2/16 AND 3/31)

 

Eastmont Branch, opens a new window

Appointments Open Feb 2

7200 Bancroft Avenue, Suite 211

Oakland, CA 94605

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 615-5726

Fri: 12:30pm - 5pm

 

Golden Gate Branch, opens a new window

Appointments Open Jan 27

5606 San Pablo Avenue

Oakland, CA 94608

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 597-5023

Tues: 10am - 4pm

(CLOSED 3/31)

*Appointments open 2 weeks ahead on a rolling basis

Main Library, opens a new window

Same-day Appointments Open Feb 8

125 14th Street

Oakland, CA 94612

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 238-3144

Sun & Mon: 10am - 3:30pm

(CLOSED 2/16)

*Appointments given same day at 9:45am, Main Entrance

West Oakland Branch, opens a new window

Now Scheduling Appointments

1801 Adeline Street

Oakland, CA 94607

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 238-4911

Tues & Thurs: 10am - 4pm

Wed: 10am - 6:30pm

Some Saturdays:10am - 2pm

(3/7, 3/17, 4/4, 4/11)

 


OTHER LOCATIONS

 

Downtown Oakland Senior  Center (DOSC), opens a new window

Appointments Open Jan 20

200 Grand Ave

Oakland, CA 94610

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 238-3535

Tues & Thurs: 9:30pm - 2pm

Make Online Appointment ↗, opens a new window

 

North Oakland Senior Center (NOSC), opens a new window

Appointments Open Jan 20

5714 MLK Jr. Way

Oakland, CA 94609

Get directions ›, opens a new window

Phone: (510) 238-3535

Thurs: 9am - 3pm

Make Online Appointment ↗, opens a new window

Step 2: Prepare your Documents

Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

  • Photo ID for tax payer and spouse, if filing joint return
  • Social Security cards or ITIN for everyone on tax return
  • Federal Tax returns for 2024 and 2023 (highly recommended)
  • Form 1095-A and CA Form 3895 (Covered CA Health Insurance Documentation), if received
  • All income documents for this year (e.g., W-2s, 1099s, etc)
  • Deduction Documents (e.g., mortgage interest, property taxes, medical expenses, charitable donations, tuition, etc)
  • Childcare provider information, if applicable (Name, physical address, telephone number, ID number for day care provider)
  • Bank account routing and account numbers or blank check for direct deposit of refund.
  • Documents for any other expenses you want to claim.

Important Changes for 2025:

The IRS is phasing out of paper checks. Your refund will be significantly delayed unless you provide information for direct deposit. You must bring a blank check (not a deposit slip) or your account number AND routing number.

FAQs

FAQs

  • You may print your tax forms through our print portal. Call 510-238-3134 if you need more help.

  • Only a small supply of State and Federal tax forms has been made available to OPL by the Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service. Please check with your local branch to find out if they have the form(s) you need.
     

    If you need federal tax forms, you can get them from the IRS website, opens a new window or call 800-829-3676.

    If you need California tax forms, you can get them online, opens a new window or call 800-338-0505.

Tax Help Organizations

Can't get an appointment? These organizations also provide free tax help and resources

Other Tax Help Organizations

United Way Bay Area: Free Tax Help

Free Tax Help Bay Area is a coalition of organizations that provide free and high-quality tax preparation in partnership with the IRS.

ASUC Student Legal Clinic: Free Tax Help

In the spring, the ASUC Student Legal Clinic serves as an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site to provide free tax assistance.

The Unity Council: Free Tax Help

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less.

AARP: Tax-Aide of the East Bay

Free volunteer tax assistance in the East Bay.
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