Tax Season 2026

Important Dates

Federal Tax Filing

The deadline to file federal 2024 tax returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

If you need more time, you must request an extension by the April filing deadline. Filing later may add interest and penalties.
If you file an extension, you must still pay taxes you owe by the deadline. Paying later adds interest and penalties.
Find the latest tax changes.

Choose a way to file

Filing electronically (e-filing) gives you your refund faster. You can e-file with IRS Free File or tax preparation software.
See Six Reasons Why You Should File Your Taxes Electronically.

IRS Free File

If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less, you can file electronically with IRS Free File. If your income is higher, you can use Free File Fillable Forms.
Find IRS Free File options

Paper forms

You can file with paper forms and mail them to the IRS.

If you have wages, file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
If you're a senior, you can file 1040-SR.
If you have a business or side income, file Form 1040 with a Schedule C.

File for prior years

If you haven't filed a past-due tax return, you can file a tax return for any prior year.

California State Personal Income Tax

The due date to file your California state tax return and pay any balance due is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Please consult California's Franchise Tax Board for information on filing, forms and publications, making payments, and checking on a refund.
CalFile -- e-file your state tax return directly to the Franchise Tax Board - for free. Get real-time confirmation and the fastest refund possible.
CalEITC -- California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) offers support for low-income, working Californians. You may be eligible for up to $3,756 cash back or a reduction of the tax you owe. Learn how to qualify and apply on the Eligibility and credit information page. CalEITC might also enable you to qualify for the Young Child and Foster Youth tax credits.

Forms & Booklets

Forms & Booklets at the Library

We will have Federal 1040 and 1040SR forms & booklets (in English and Spanish) and California 540 forms & instructions (in English and Spanish) at our ten Marin County Free Library branches when they become available and while supplies last.

Some of our branches have ordered IRS forms 1096 and 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC and will be available while supplies last. You may wish to order these forms directly from the IRS, as that may be quicker.

To request these or other tax forms from the IRS:

To order official IRS information returns, which include 1096 or 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC or 1099-INT for filing with the IRS, visit www.IRS.gov/orderforms.
Click on Online Ordering for Information Returns and Employer Returns, and they will mail you the forms you request and their instructions. (Note that the official printed version of each of these IRS forms appears in red and is scannable, but a copy, printed from the IRS website, is not.)
Or call 800-829-3676 (800-TAX-FORM) to place an order by phone (M-F, 7am - 10pm).

For all other tax forms, you may print for free using our mobile printing instructions, or come into the branch and receive staff assistance with printing.

Federal Tax Forms and Publications from the IRS

Use the Internal Revenue Service website to find forms, instructions, links for e-filing, and general information about federal income tax returns.

Online: To view, download & print forms and publications see: https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions
By Mail: To order forms and publications by mail, visit: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/forms-and-publications-by-us-mail
By Phone: Call 800-829-3676 (800-TAX-FORM) to place an order by phone (M-F, 7am - 10pm)
Deaf and Hard of Hearing TTY/TDD: 1-800-829-4059

Accessible forms and publications: The IRS offers content in a variety of file formats to accommodate people who use assistive technology such as screen reading software, refreshable Braille displays, and voice recognition software. Tax forms and publications can be downloaded or viewed online in text, e-Braille, HTML, accessible PDF, and large print.

California Tax Forms from the State Franchise Tax Board

For state of California tax products and information, see the California State Franchise Tax Board website.

Online: To view, download & print forms: www.ftb.ca.gov/forms
By Phone: Call 1-800-338-0505 (To have forms and publications mailed directly to your home you will need to know the order code number.)
Tax Assistance for Persons with Hearing or Speaking Limitations: California Relay Service: 711 or 800-735-2929

Out of State Tax Forms

The Federation of Tax Administrators website has tax forms for all 50 states.

El IRS y el FTB en Español

Información general acerca de los impuestos de los Estados Unidos (General tax information in Spanish): http://www.irs.gov/Spanish
Información general acerca de los impuestos del estado de California (California tax information in Spanish): https://www.ftb.ca.gov/index-es.html

Tax Help Services

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify.

Get free tax prep help if any of these apply to you:

Earn $69,000 or less
Have a disability
Need language support
Are 60 years or older

Free Tax Help Bay Area

A free tax service for low to moderate income working individuals and families, the elderly, and disabled people throughout the Bay Area. Free Tax Help Bay Area tax services are free, secure, and high-quality. Tax returns are prepared by trained and IRS-certified volunteers.

Weekly, from February 6 - April 11:

Canal Alliance (711 Grand Ave, San Rafael). No appointment needed, walk-in only. Hours: Saturdays 10am - 4pm, from 2/7/2026 to 4/11/2026. English, Spanish.
Community Action Marin (7665 Redwood Blvd, Novato). Walk-in welcomed. (Located directly across the street from the SMART Train station.) Hours: Fridays 9am - 2pm, from 2/6/2026 until 4/10/2026. English, Spanish.

AARP Tax-Aides

AARP Tax-Aides provide free income tax preparation and assistance during tax season for low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors.

Marin County's AARP Tax-Aide Services -- Open 2/1/2026 - 4/15/2026 -- Appointments required.

Forms and more info at: https://sites.google.com/view/marintaxaide/home

For general questions only (not appointments): marintaxaide@gmail.com or 415-320-6191.

Locations and days & times:

By appointment only. Contact only preferred site for appointment. Email is preferred; if calling, leave full name and contact info.

Fairfax Library (2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd) - Mondays & Fridays, 10 am - 2 pm (Closed Feb 16)
Contact for appointment: fairfaxtaxaide@gmail.com or 415-320-6390.
First Congregational Church, San Rafael (8 N San Pedro Rd) - Wednesdays, 9:30am - 1:30 pm
Contact for appointment: NGTaxAide@gmail.com or 415-448-6155.
Mill Valley Community Center (180 Camino Alto) - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 am - 12:30 pm
Contact for appointment: MillValleyTaxAide@gmail.com or 415-322-9361.
North Marin Community Services, Novato (1907 Novato Blvd) - Mondays, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm (Closed Feb 16); Thursdays, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Contact for appointment: NovatoTaxAide@gmail.com or 415-488-5401.
Vivalon, San Rafael (999 Third St) - Mondays, 9:30 am - 1:30 pm (Closed Feb 16); & Fridays, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Contact for appointment: SRTaxAide@gmail.com or 415-295-6624.
Dance Palace Community Center, Point Reyes Station (503 B St) - West Marin residents only - One session only: Saturday March 21st, 10 am - 2 pm; Call for appointment: 415-663-8361 ext 401. (Spanish translator available.)
Isabel Cook Community Center, San Anselmo (1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd) - Tuesdays, 10 am - 2:30 pm
Contact for appointment: sananselmotaxaide@gmail.com or 628-225-2705.

What to bring:

copy of 2024 Tax Return
Photo ID plus Social Security cards or ITINs for self, spouse, and dependents
Social Security numbers for child care providers and alimony recipients
official tax documents including all W-2 and 1099 and 1095 and 1098 forms
checkbook or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit (the IRS no longer sends paper checks for refunds)
to itemize, bring list of paid property taxes, medical bills (totaled), charitable contributions (totaled), and mortgage interest

GetYourRefund Full Service/Virtual VITA

GetYourRefund Full Service/Virtual VITA (English & Spanish) connects you with an IRS certified tax preparer from the IRS' VITA program and helps you file your taxes online for free. This program offers help to those making less than $69,000 per year. Get started here.

Avoid Scams

Find help to avoid identity theft and fraud:

Last updated February 4, 2026.

Search