Free tax help in Portland

Where to start in Portland

Start with MFS CASH Oregon for volunteer preparation and check Oregon’s resource list for alternatives. Ask separately about any local returns: federal and Oregon preparation does not establish that all Portland-area filing needs are covered.

MFS CASH Oregon

A program of Metropolitan Family Service, CASH Oregon provides free tax preparation for qualifying households. Its FAQ explains federal and Oregon return coverage, language assistance and limits on more complex returns. Check those limits and the current site instructions before booking.

• MFS CASH Oregon: free tax help

Oregon Department of Human Services resources

Oregon’s resource page identifies community organizations offering free filing help, including CASH Oregon in the Portland area. Use the program’s own instructions to confirm location, language and remote-service options; a statewide resource list does not establish that a particular appointment is open.

• Oregon DHS: tax-help organizations and filing resources

Portland-area local returns

Portland’s Revenue Division explains that Metro Supportive Housing Services and Multnomah County Preschool for All personal income tax returns are separate from the Oregon return. If local filings are relevant to your circumstances, ask the preparer about their scope and consult the City’s instructions; this guide does not determine whether you owe either tax.

• Portland Revenue Division: local personal income tax information

National programs with local search tools

IRS VITA and TCE

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) provide free basic return preparation for qualifying taxpayers through partner-run sites. VITA commonly serves people on lower incomes, people with disabilities and people needing language assistance. TCE particularly focuses on people aged 60 and over. Income rules and the returns a site can handle vary; ask the site about your circumstances.

IRS: program rules, service limits and the VITA/TCE locator. Search near your ZIP code and confirm dates with the selected site. A locator result does not guarantee availability.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance, with a focus on adults over 50 with low to moderate incomes. AARP membership is not required. Available services depend on the location and the return’s complexity; use the program’s information and locator to check options near Portland.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: services and site locator. The locator and appointments are seasonal; confirm the current service period directly.

If you prefer to prepare your own return

IRS Free File lists online filing options and their eligibility rules. Self-preparation is different from an appointment with a volunteer. Check whether your chosen offer includes the state return you need and whether any fees apply.

Before you book

Ask the program these questions before travelling or uploading documents:

• Does the program cover my income, location, tax year and type of return? Mention self-employment, rental income or other circumstances that may affect its service limits.
• Which federal, state and local returns can this site prepare? Is the full service free?
• Is an appointment required, and is the service in person, drop-off or remote? What language or accessibility arrangements are available?
• Which documents should I bring, and must anyone else attend or sign?

The IRS preparation checklist covers identification, income records, prior returns and other information that may be needed. Follow the selected program’s own instructions as well; the IRS list is a starting point, not confirmation that your documents or return are complete.

Share sensitive documents only through the program’s confirmed process. Do not send Social Security numbers, tax returns, identity documents or banking details to this directory or its general contact email.