Free Tax Preparation Help

A variety of resources are available to help Northeast Ohio residents with tax preparation.

Contact 2-1-1 or the organizations listed below to apply for tax assistance programs.

Ashtabula:
In Ashtabula County, a variety of sites are taking appointments for the free tax preparation services provided by AARP Foundation Tax Aide. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to those who qualify, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. Learn more here: Free Tax Preparation From AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, or use AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service Locator Tool to find a site near you.

Cuyahoga: 
The Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition provides free tax preparation to eligible clients from IRS-certified volunteers. Individuals or families earning up to $69,000 a year qualify for free tax preparation services. Dial 2-1-1 or schedule an appointment online with the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition.

Lake:
During tax season Lifeline will provide tax preparation assistance for the community through the VITA Program.  This program, in partnership with the IRS, will allow low to moderate-income households to participate in free tax preparation sessions with IRS-certified tax preparation volunteers. Applicants must live in Lake County and meet program income eligibility.

Tax clinics are offered weekly Monday - Thursday and on Saturdays. Daytime and late afternoon appointments are available. Clinics will be held in Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, and Wickliffe. Call 2-1-1 or 440-639-4420 or email vita@lclifeline.org for information. Click here for VITA Lifeline flyer.

Lorain:
Led by the United Way of Greater Lorain County, the Lorain County Free Tax Prep Coalition trains and certifies volunteer tax preparers through the IRS and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Families and individuals who made $69,000 or less are, in general, able to connect to VITA free tax preparation services. Tax preparation is available at multiple locations throughout Lorain County. For more information and to make an appointment, call 2-1-1.

Geauga: 
During tax season Lifeline will provide tax preparation assistance for the community through the VITA Program.  This program, in partnership with the IRS, will allow low to moderate-income households to participate in free tax preparation sessions with IRS-certified tax preparation volunteers. Applicants must live in Geauga County and meet program income eligibility.

Tax clinics are offered weekly Monday - Thursday and on Saturdays. Daytime and late afternoon appointments are available. Clinics will be held in Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, and Wickliffe. Call 440-639-4420 or email vita@lclifeline.org for information. Click here for VITA Lifeline flyer.

Last updated January 30, 2026