Houston Free Tax Prep 2027: BakerRipley, MAM, UHD VITA, AARP Tax-Aide and What to Bring
A paid tax preparer can take a big bite out of a refund, and Houston has several free alternatives. Nonprofits, a university and AARP volunteers prepare returns at no cost for working families, seniors and people who need help with ITINs. Each program sets its own income limit, schedule and rules on walk-ins, so it pays to know which one fits you before tax season opens.
This guide covers the main free options in Houston and Harris County, based on their 2026-season rules, plus what to bring. Expect new dates and limits for 2027. Check each provider in January.
Last checked October 2026. Sources: BakerRipley's Tax Preparation Assistance page; Harris County Public Library's Tax Services page; MAM Houston's Free Tax Preparation page; the University of Houston-Downtown's January 2026 VITA announcement; and the IRS VITA/TCE program page and document checklist. This is general information, not tax advice.
The Short Version
BakerRipley: free for families and individuals earning up to $58,000. Also helps with ITIN applications and renewals, prior-year returns and amendments. Call 713-273-3755.
MAM Houston: free for households earning up to $58,000, walk-in only, at 1625 Blalock Road (Spring Branch).
UHD VITA: generally for people earning $67,000 or less, with no income limit for older adults. In person downtown or online by appointment.
AARP Tax-Aide: free help at several Harris County Public Library branches, with a focus on older taxpayers.
Need to find another site? Use the IRS VITA locator (800-906-9887) or call 2-1-1.
BakerRipley Neighborhood Tax Centers
BakerRipley says its tax centers have prepared more than 560,000 returns since 2009, returning over $770 million to Houston families.
What it offers:
Free preparation for families and individuals earning up to $58,000 a year
Returns for 2020 through 2025, plus amendments
ITIN applications and renewals at no cost
Child Tax Credit assistance
During tax season, BakerRipley runs walk-in-only sites at select Harris County Public Library branches, including the Katy and North Channel branch libraries. Everyone listed on the return must bring copies of a photo ID and Social Security card.
Outside tax season, BakerRipley listed year-round hours at three campuses in 2026:
Gulfton Sharpstown Campus: 6500 Rookin St., Houston 77074, Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday noon–4 p.m.
East Aldine Campus: 3000 Aldine Mail Route Rd., Houston 77039, Tuesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Pasadena Campus: 720 Fairmont Pkwy., Pasadena 77504, Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Contact: 713-273-3755 or taxprep@bakerripley.org.
MAM Houston (Spring Branch)
MAM Houston offers free tax return preparation and ITIN applications and renewals for families and individuals earning up to $58,000 a year.
In the 2026 season, MAM's main campus at 1625 Blalock Road, Houston 77080 was open February 2 through April 15:
Monday–Friday, 1–7 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
Service is walk-in only with limited availability, so arrive early. MAM's checklist asks for a Social Security card or ITIN letter for each family member, and both spouses must be present to file jointly. If you were paid in cash or by check for work, bring a list of those payments.
UHD VITA (Downtown and Online)
The University of Houston-Downtown runs one of the larger VITA programs in the city, staffed in 2026 by more than 140 IRS-trained student volunteers. It serves:
People who generally earn $67,000 or less
People with disabilities
Limited-English speakers
College students
International individuals
Older adults, with no income limit
In 2026, the program ran from February 7 to April 14 (closed during spring break). In-person service needed no appointment:
Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.: Room B226, Shea Street Building, 320 N. Main St.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.: rooms N412 and N414, One Main Building
UHD also offered virtual appointments, scheduled online.
AARP Tax-Aide at Harris County Public Libraries
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers prepare free returns at several Harris County Public Library branches. In 2026 these included Atascocita, Barbara Bush, Fairbanks, Kingwood, LSC-Tomball, Maud Marks, Northwest, Parker Williams and Stratford. The IRS notes that most Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites are run by Tax-Aide, which specializes in questions about pensions and retirement income.
What AARP Tax-Aide usually can't help with, according to the library:
Married filing separately
Self-employment with a business loss
State or foreign income tax returns
Active-duty military returns
Rental property income (other than oil and gas leases)
Bartering or digital assets such as cryptocurrency or NFTs
If any of these apply, try BakerRipley, UHD or another VITA site instead.
Which Option Fits You?
Earning under $58,000 or need an ITIN: BakerRipley or MAM.
Earning $58,000–$67,000: UHD VITA, or another VITA site from the IRS locator.
65 or older, or mainly retirement income: AARP Tax-Aide or UHD (no income limit for older adults).
Can't get there in person: UHD's virtual appointments.
Missed past years: BakerRipley prepares returns going back to 2020.
What to Bring
The IRS checklist for free tax sites, along with the library's Tax-Aide list, includes:
Photo ID for you and your spouse
Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
W-2s from every employer, plus a list of cash or check payments for work
1099 forms: 1099-G for unemployment, SSA-1099 for Social Security, 1099-R for pensions, 1099-MISC for other income, and 1099-INT, 1099-DIV or 1099-B for bank and investment income
Last year's tax return
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check
Receipts if you plan to itemize deductions
Married filing jointly? Both spouses generally need to be there to sign.
A January Checklist Before You Go
A little preparation can save you a second trip, which matters at walk-in sites where waits can be long.
Make one folder for every tax form that arrives in the mail or by email in January and early February: W-2s, 1099s and any letters from the IRS.
Confirm your household income against each provider's limit, counting everyone who will be on the return.
Check your IDs. Make sure your photo ID hasn't expired and that you can find a Social Security card or ITIN letter for every person on the return.
Find last year's return. If you used a free site last year, it may have given you a copy.
Write down your bank details for direct deposit, or bring a blank check.
Plan for your spouse. If you file jointly, arrange a time when you can both go.
Call ahead if your situation is unusual, such as self-employment, a business loss or rental income, to make sure the site can handle it.
Tips for the 2027 Season
Go early. Walk-in sites like MAM fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Set up direct deposit. It's the fastest way to get a federal refund.
Check for credits. Volunteers check for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can add up to thousands of dollars for working families.
Don't pay for a "refund advance." These products are loans, often with fees. Free VITA sites e-file at no cost.
Use the off-season too. If you missed a deadline or need to fix a past return, BakerRipley's year-round campuses can help.
Closing Thoughts
Most Houston households earning under about $58,000 to $67,000 can get their taxes done for free by certified volunteers, and older adults can use UHD with no income limit. Pick the site that matches your income and situation, gather your documents in January, and arrive early. Watch each provider's website for 2027 dates and limits.
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