Free tax prep assistance and other resources available to Johnson County residents

Johnson County Government and its partners provide several options to help residents with their income tax returns. Offerings include free filing assistance to those who qualify, convenient access to tools and resources and even transportation to those who need assistance getting to a tax preparation appointment.

It is important to note that demand for these programs is high, and capacity can fill up quickly, especially closer to the deadline for filing income taxes. It is suggested that residents plan ahead and watch for messaging that appointment slots are no longer available or capacity has been reached.

VITA at the Johnson County K-State Extension Office

• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax preparation and electronic filing for households earning $69,000 or less.
• Location: Sunset Drive Office Building (11811 S. Sunset Drive, Olathe, KS 66061)
• Days and Hours: Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Walk in or drop-off services only.
• Spanish translation available most days the VITA site is open.

For more information visit Tax Preparation.

Johnson County Library Assistance and Resources

The Library partners with AARP to offer free tax filing assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Tax-Aide is the nation's largest free tax preparation service and is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.

The program is open to all Kansas residents, with a focus on adults 50 and older and individuals with low to moderate income. No AARP membership or Library card is required.

• Location: Oak Park Library, Large Meeting Room (9500 Bluejacket St., Overland Park)
• Availability: Feb. 2 through April 15, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
• Appointments are required: Walk-ins are not accepted. Schedule appointments through the AARP Kansas Tax-Aide website, which also lists additional locations statewide.
• All participants must complete a required questionnaire before or during their appointment. Paper copies will be available from AARP volunteers at Oak Park Library.

The Library offers access to credible tools to help you prepare:

• IRS Free File: Online federal tax preparation and filing for eligible taxpayers
• Kansas Legal Services: Legal assistance on federal tax matters for low-income taxpayers
• MyFreeTaxes: United Way, in partnership with VITA, helps people file their taxes for free
• Printed Tax Forms: Limited supplies of federal 1040 and 1040-SR forms and instruction booklets in English and Spanish are available in branches while supplies last. State tax forms are not available in print
• Computers and Printing: Free access to Library computers for online filing and tax forms. Printing is available, including mobile and remote options

For a complete overview of tax help and forms available through the Library, visit the Tax Help and Forms page at jocolibrary.org.

Transportation Assistance

Johnson County Catch-a-Ride is a social service program offered by Aging and Human Services. It can provide volunteer transportation for residents who need assistance getting to tax appointments.

• Availability: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., to the VITA site in Olathe and Johnson County libraries offering AARP Tax-Aide.
• Individuals must apply for services in advance and be accepted into the program before requesting a ride.
• Donation-based, with a recommended $6 donation per one-way ride.
• Subject to volunteer availability.

Additional eligibility guidelines and information are available at jocogov.org/catcharide.