ADOR: Take the lead on free tax preparation and assistance

ADOR offers free tax preparation and assistance for taxpayers

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) — The Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) offers various free filing services for taxpayers who are strongly encouraged by ADOR to e-file and direct deposit their refund.

Utilizing e-file and setting up direct deposit for your refund could mean you receive your return six times faster, according to ADOR.

• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide – If a taxpayer is 50 and older and cannot afford a tax preparation service to file federal and Arizona returns, they can obtain assistance here.
• Free File Alliance – Individuals with a federal adjusted gross income in 2021 of $73,000 or less may qualify to receive free e-file preparation from a certified software vendor. More information here.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – Taxpayers who made $58,000 or less, have disabilities or limited English-speaking ability can receive free preparation from VITA.
• 211 Information: For taxpayers who are elderly, disabled or low income, go here for free, local federal and state tax preparation locations. 

A note from ADOR: Some tax preparation services may not offer in-person assistance but rather drop-off or virtual assistance (contact the tax preparer for availability).

For those also needing assistance but can't qualify for free e-filing services, ADOR recommends:

• Approved Vendor (fees): Go here to see the list of software providers certified to send e-filed returns with ADOR.
• Online Forms - If a taxpayer wants to file their taxes independently, Arizona offers fillable tax forms to prepare their returns here.

To have a successful e-filing experience, ADOR suggests you to gather and bring:

• Proof of identification (photo ID)
• Social Security cards for both spouses and any dependents (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
• Birth dates for both spouses and any dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• Bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit 
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
• Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements

Set up income tax updates by subscribing to this “Individual Income Tax” list.

Take a look at ADOR’s website for more information on tax filing requirements and important tax filing tips.