Tax Assistance

IN-PERSON INCOME TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE

The Washington Ave. Branch is hosting in-person tax preparation assistance. Two partners, the NYS Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) and IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), are providing these free services.

Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) | Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. & Tuesdays from 12:30 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. | Feb. 2 through April 14, 2026

  • NYS tax department employees guide you in preparing and e-filing your state and federal tax returns.
  • To qualify for this free guided assistance, your 2025 income must be $89,000 or less.
  • To make an appointment through the TAP website (required):
    • CLICK HERE to be taken to the TAP website
    • Check what documents you’ll need to bring to your appointment under “What you need to file”
    • Click “Register for a session”
    • Choose Albany Public Library from the list and click “Register” to select a date and time for your appointment at the Washington Avenue Branch (161 Washington Ave.)
  • Information about what documents to bring to your appointment are listed on the TAP website. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) | Thursdays from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. | Jan. 29 through April 9, 2026

  • IRS certified and trained volunteers prepare your federal and state income tax returns for you through the VITA program.
  • To qualify for the free tax preparation, your 2025 income must be $69,000 or less (other qualifications may apply).
  • To make an appointment through the VITA website (required):
    • CLICK HERE to be taken to the VITA website
    • Read the eligibility information on the page and check what documents you’ll need to bring to your appointment.
    • Find “Albany Public Library” on the list and select “book” to find a date and time for y0ur appointment at the Washington Avenue Branch (161 Washington Ave.)
  • Information about what documents to bring to your appointment are listed on the VITA website. 

TAX FORMS

All branches stock basic Federal and New York State tax forms for individual filers. Please call or visit the reference desk of your local branch to learn what forms are available there.