Free Tax Services and Resources at the Library

Tax season can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Your library is a one-stop resource for trusted information, expert help, and free tools to support your financial goals in the year ahead. From up-to-date tax guides and investment research to in-person assistance from certified volunteers, Prince William Public Libraries offers programs and resources to help you file with confidence, make informed decisions, and start the year on solid financial footing.

New Titles in Our Collection

The 2026 edition of "J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2026: For Preparing Your 2025 Tax Return" This annual publication delivers hands-on and practical advice for everyday taxpayers getting ready to file their 2025 taxes. It includes the latest tax laws and regulations, maps out the process of figuring out if you need to file and how you should file, and evaluates every form and step of the process. This reliable, comprehensive book also provides guidance on managing your personal finances and investments to minimize your tax burden while protecting your financial security.

Coming to our shelves this month, small business owners can also check out "J.K. Lasser’s Small Business Taxes 2026: Your Complete Guide to a Better Bottom Line." This book offers a thorough, exhaustively researched roadmap for legally minimizing your tax liability and maximizing your deductions and credits for your small business.

Digital Library Resources

If you’re thinking of investing in 2026, PWPL’s Digital Library provides free access to the Morningstar Investment Research Center, an investment research database with global data and research on stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, and more. As a respected source of investment information, Morningstar empowers you with reliable market data, analysis, and education. If you’re new to investing, Morningstar has resources to help you build your skills. With over 100 courses on stocks, funds, planning, and portfolio building, you’ll find everything you need to know.

Value Line Investment Survey helps new and seasoned investors with high-impact ideas that can quickly and easily position you for financial success. Value Line provides reliable, unbiased information and accurate, insightful investment research on companies, industries, markets, and economies. From the latest data, sophisticated tools, and proven ranks to expert analysis and guidance, Value Line gives you the power to evaluate investments with confidence.

If you need to make a larger purchase this year, such as a new car, start with Consumer Reports for unbiased product reviews, available free with your library card through PWPL’s Digital Library. Their published product testing and ratings can help you make better purchasing choices.

These are just some of the options available to patrons through PWPL’s Digital Library. There’s no better way to ensure a successful new year than to get on top of your personal finances from the beginning. Your local library can be a partner in that project!

AARP Tax Services at Bull Run and Potomac Libraries

AARP will provide free tax services at Bull Run and Potomac Libraries from February 2–April 15, 2026.

Bull Run Library: Speak to AARP tax experts and get free tax help on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not required at Bull Run Library.

Mondays, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15

Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21
April 11

Potomac Library: Appointments are required. Schedule an appointment to get free tax help from an AARP tax expert. Sign up online or call 571-316-0493.

Select Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
February 3, 5, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26, 28
March 3, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26, 28, 31
April 2, 7, 9, 14

Per the IRS, these are the documents you will need to bring:

• Social Security numbers of everyone listed on the tax return. 
• Bank account and routing numbers. People will need these for direct deposit refunds. Direct deposit is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their money and avoids a check getting lost, stolen, or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. 
  • If you don't have a bank account, learn how to open an account at an FDIC-insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans can access the Veterans Benefits Banking Program.
• Forms W-2 from employer(s).
• Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies, and other payers, including unemployment compensation, dividends, and distributions from a pension, annuity, or retirement plan.
• Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, W-2 or other income statement for workers in the gig economy.
• Form 1099-INT for interest received.
• Other income documents and records of virtual currency transactions.
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. Taxpayers will need this form to reconcile advance payments or claim the premium tax credit.
• Letter 6419, 2024 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance child tax credit payments.

Per the Virginia Tax website, the following is needed to file your Virginia Income Taxes:

• All W-2s, 1099s, and other withholding information before filing your return. Don't rely on year-end pay stub information, as it may not match what your employer reports. 
• Include your Virginia driver's license or Virginia identification card number on your return. Returns that don't have a driver's license or ID card number won't be rejected, but providing the information helps the Virginia Department of Taxation process returns more quickly. 
• If you were issued a Virginia Tax personal identification number (PIN), you must provide the PIN on your return. Remember that even if you provide your PIN, the Virginia Department of Taxation systems could stop your return for other reasons. 
• Provide all necessary information on your return and attach all required documents and schedules. 
• Be sure the spelling of your name(s), Social Security number(s), and all calculations are correct. 
• If you moved since you filed your last return, use your current address.