Buncombe Libraries Offer Free Tax Assistance Prioritizing Low-Income Residents, Seniors

Buncombe County libraries are hosting free tax preparation assistance through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in partnership with the IRS, the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the Buncombe County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. The service prioritizes low- and moderate-income taxpayers and people 60 and older, aiming to lower cost and access barriers during tax season.

Services are available at participating branches across the county: Black Mountain, East Asheville, Enka-Candler, West Asheville, Weaverville and Pack Library. Residents should pick up a tax record envelope and instructions at those branches during library hours, complete the Intake/Interview booklet, place their documents in the envelope and make an appointment to drop the packet off with a Tax-Aide volunteer. Volunteers will review the documents and schedule a follow-up appointment, typically about two weeks later, for taxpayers to pick up completed returns.

The program is intended to serve standard individual returns and straightforward household filings. Because volunteer capacity is limited, returns that include more than 10 tax forms or more than one 1099-B may not be accepted. That limitation means residents with complex investment transactions or extensive business filings should plan for alternative preparation options or earlier appointments to confirm eligibility.

For Buncombe County residents who qualify, the service can translate into real savings. Free volunteer preparation reduces out-of-pocket costs for professional tax services and can improve accuracy for refundable credits and benefit determinations that materially affect low-income households and seniors. Local seniors working with the Council on Aging network may find the county-run library locations an accessible way to file without travel to distant clinics.

The partnership spreads work across library branches but relies on volunteer capacity. Residents are advised to gather identification, Social Security numbers for dependents, wage statements, and other standard tax documents before picking up the intake packet so appointments proceed smoothly. Because drop-off and pick-up are appointment-based, timing matters; late-season volume could extend wait times.

This program supplements, rather than replaces, paid preparer services and online filing options. It also provides a practical touchpoint between county services and community members who may be unfamiliar with electronic filing or who need in-person assistance. Library staff and partner organizations will handle appointment scheduling and intake materials; more details and the full list of required documents are available through the Buncombe County Library System.

For residents eligible for the service, the immediate next step is practical: pick up the envelope during library hours, complete the intake booklet and schedule a drop-off appointment. For the community, the program represents a local, collaborative effort to keep more tax dollars where they belong—in the hands of Buncombe County households that need them.