Welcome to Tax-Aide Southbay
AARP Tax-Aide Southbay provides federal and state income tax preparation services to South Bay residents. The program is tailored for people 50 and older and those who have low to moderate incomes. However, Tax-Aide services are available to anyone free of charge.
This year, we will be meeting with taxpayers, in person, at sites in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, and Willowbrook from February 1 through April 15. See the Our Sites page for the day(s) of the week and the hours that each site will operate.
This year, we will be meeting with taxpayers, in person, at sites in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, and Willowbrook from February 1 through April 15. See the Our Sites page for the day(s) of the week and the hours that each site will operate.
Return Preparation
At all sites, your tax return will be completed in a single session. When you come to a site, a counselor will conduct an interview with you, then prepare your return while you wait. After the return is prepared, another counselor will conduct a quality review, during which the return will be reviewed with you; you will be able to have your questions answered; you will sign the necessary documents (Form 8879) authorizing us to file your return; and you will receive a printed copy of the return. The return will be filed electronically at the end of the day.
Appointments
You may make an appointment to have your tax return prepared at our sites in El Segundo, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Willowbrook. These sites RECOMMEND that you make an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome. Walk-ins will be served as time permits.
Update Notice: February 25, 2024
Problems are still being reported with the software used to make appointments. We share your frustration and offer our apologies. The software developer has been notified and is working the problem. A possible workaround is to clear the cache of your browser. If you wish to do this, instructions to accomplish this are available from this link. However, this is not guaranteed to fix the problem. Appointment times are still plentiful, so you should be able to select a convenient date and time when the software is fixed. If you cannot wait, then please walk in to the site of your choice, and we will make every attempt to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.
Our sites in Manhattan Beach and Torrance will operate on a walk-in basis. Your return will be prepared on the day you come to the site.
If you find that you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, please cancel or reschedule it as far in advance as possible, in order to make it available to other taxpayers. DON'T BE A NO SHOW!!
Detailed instructions for appointment functions are available by clicking the links below:
- Click here to make a Tuesday appointment at the El Segundo site
- Click here to make a Friday appointment at the Rancho Palos Verdes site
- Click here to make a Friday appointment at the Willowbrook site
Update Notice: February 25, 2024
Problems are still being reported with the software used to make appointments. We share your frustration and offer our apologies. The software developer has been notified and is working the problem. A possible workaround is to clear the cache of your browser. If you wish to do this, instructions to accomplish this are available from this link. However, this is not guaranteed to fix the problem. Appointment times are still plentiful, so you should be able to select a convenient date and time when the software is fixed. If you cannot wait, then please walk in to the site of your choice, and we will make every attempt to serve you. Thank you for your understanding.
Our sites in Manhattan Beach and Torrance will operate on a walk-in basis. Your return will be prepared on the day you come to the site.
If you find that you cannot keep your scheduled appointment, please cancel or reschedule it as far in advance as possible, in order to make it available to other taxpayers. DON'T BE A NO SHOW!!
Detailed instructions for appointment functions are available by clicking the links below:
Documents to Bring to Your Tax Return Preparation Session
It is imperative that you bring all of your tax documents to your tax return preparation session. These include:
Click here to access a detailed checklist of documents that you should bring to your tax preparation session.
As you assemble your documents, compare them to this list to verify that you have all that were sent to you.
Prior to having your return prepared, you will be asked to complete the Intake/Interview form, Form 13614C, which provides the necessary information to assure an accurate return. You can save time by completing this form in advance and bringing with you. The form can be accessed by clicking here. It is a fillable PDF form, so it can be completed electronically and printed, or printed and completed by hand.
If you think you will itemize deductions, have self-employment income and expenses, or qualify for education credits, worksheets are available to capture the necessary information so that your return can be prepared more quickly and accurately. The worksheets are accessible from the following links:
- Photo ID for taxpayer (and spouse if filing jointly)
- Social security cards for all persons included on the return (taxpayer, spouse, and dependents)
- All documents showing income received in 2023
- Your previous year's tax return
- Bank account information (routing number and account number) if you want direct deposit/debit of your refund/payment
Click here to access a detailed checklist of documents that you should bring to your tax preparation session.
As you assemble your documents, compare them to this list to verify that you have all that were sent to you.
Prior to having your return prepared, you will be asked to complete the Intake/Interview form, Form 13614C, which provides the necessary information to assure an accurate return. You can save time by completing this form in advance and bringing with you. The form can be accessed by clicking here. It is a fillable PDF form, so it can be completed electronically and printed, or printed and completed by hand.
If you think you will itemize deductions, have self-employment income and expenses, or qualify for education credits, worksheets are available to capture the necessary information so that your return can be prepared more quickly and accurately. The worksheets are accessible from the following links:
Making Things Easier
We feel we have made great progress in returning to our normal mode of operations after several years of disruption. However, it will require the best efforts of volunteers, taxpayers, and our host sites staff to have a successful tax preparation season. We must all exercise patience, cooperation, and tolerance. Below are some insights, reminders, and tips that should make for a more efficient, more pleasant tax preparation process for all participants.
- Be sure to bring all necessary identification and tax documents with you. Click here to access a checklist of documents to bring. Coming to the site missing any forms will delay the preparation of your return
- You can save time by completing the Intake Interview form in advance and bringing it with you. The form can be accessed by clicking here. It is a fillable PDF form, so it can be completed electronically and printed, or printed and completed by hand
- Please remove your tax forms from their envelopes
- Please bring your prior year's tax return, if you have it. This helps us prepare a more accurate return
- If you itemize deductions, please total all costs by categories. This saves the preparer time. Click here for a worksheet for itemized deductions
- If you are self-employed and have associated expenses, we must file Schedule C for you. Click here for a worksheet to detail those expenses
- If you have educational expenses for yourself or a dependent, you may qualify for a tax credit. Click here for a worksheet to detail those expenses
- If you made an appointment to have your return prepared, please be on time. If you must cancel or reschedule an appointment, please do so as far in advance as possible in order to make it available to other taxpayers
Health Safety
Precautions against transmission of the coronavirus, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are still appropriate for this tax season. We are committed to keeping both our taxpayer clients and volunteer staff as safe as possible, while still providing quality tax preparation services. We adhere to guidelines defined by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and the organizations who provide space at our local sites. We appreciate your cooperation in following appropriate health and safety protocols.
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, or RSV, please do not come to our site
- Please maintain effective "social distancing" measures when visiting a site
- Appropriate barriers and/or distancing between clients and counselors will be observed. Please respect them
- Cleaning and hygiene practices will be followed. Please do your part, also