Community Tax Aid

08/18/2026

08/11/2026

CS first walked into Community Tax Aid’s MLK Library site 18 years ago, when her daughter was just one year old. Her mother, who worked in the building where people signed up for food stamps and health insurance, handed her a flyer and told her, “Look, take this. They do your taxes for free.” CS gave it a try—and she’s been coming back every year since.
“What keeps me coming back is the people,” CS says. “They’re volunteers, but they’re so nice, funny, and warm. They joke and laugh with you. It’s not just serious tax stuff—you feel welcomed.”
Over the years, CS has learned that taxes aren’t just about numbers. “I had no idea there were credits for rent or the Earned Income Tax Credit for having a child. I thought you just did your taxes and that was it. Now I understand all the different pieces—and the volunteers explain everything so well.”
A lifelong Washingtonian, CS is proud of her roots. She works full-time, spends time with her daughter, and loves visiting DC’s museums in the summer. Her daughter, now 18, is headed to college in Alabama to become a veterinarian. “I’m happy for her, but I’m also sad—that’s my only child.”
With her refund going toward her daughter’s college expenses, CS is preparing for life as an empty nester by enrolling in radiology school while continuing to work.
Her advice for anyone thinking about visiting CTA: “Come here. The volunteers are nice and patient. You might even make a friend.”

07/30/2026

Corlette believes in knowing how things work. Growing up, her father made sure of that.
“He taught me everything about cars,” she said. “He always told me you can’t just know how to put gas in the car and drive.”
That practical mindset has served her well throughout life, but after years of paying for tax preparation while living on a fixed income, she decided it was time to look for another option. A Google search for tax help for veterans led her to Community Tax Aid and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library site.
It was her first time using CTA, and she quickly became a fan.
After recently earning a stipend for volunteer coaching work through Delaware State University, Corlette was looking for ways to reduce expenses. She had been using a paid preparer in Southeast D.C. for years, but the convenience of the MLK site was hard to beat.
“It's a 15-minute walk from where I live,” she said. “I got some exercise, got my taxes done for free, and might even get lunch afterward.”
What impressed her most was the professionalism of the experience. She described her preparer as knowledgeable, experienced, and thorough.
“They handled everything for me,” she said. “It makes owing hurt a little less.”
A proud Washingtonian, Corlette has spent most of her life in the city, leaving only during her military service. She served in both the United States and Germany, was stationed at bases including Fort Bragg, and participated in Operation Desert Storm. As an airborne soldier, she even jumped from airplanes.
Today, she commutes to Delaware three days a week for work and spends much of her free time on the golf course.
“Golf is peaceful,” she said with a laugh. “Until you hit that bad shot. Then it's like, who did I bring out here?”
After her experience at CTA, Corlette already knows her plans for next tax season.
“I'll be back next year,” she said. “And the years after that, Lord willing.”

07/21/2026

Darwain is a proud native Washingtonian — born and raised in the city he still calls home. For years, Community Tax Aid has been part of his routine. “I usually come to CTA in DC to do my taxes,” he shared. “Even during the pandemic.”
Today, Darwain works with students with disabilities with APS Virginia, a role that reflects his deep commitment to supporting others. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active — especially on the basketball court — and unwinding in the kitchen. His specialty? Pasta dishes with meatballs.
Darwain first heard about Community Tax Aid through word of mouth. He visited one of our longtime sites on 14th Street before learning about the Howard location, which turned out to be even closer to home.
What keeps him coming back year after year is the experience.
“The service is exceptional,” Darwain said. “They tell you in advance what you need to bring, so you can prepare. Once you arrive, everything flows. The information is detailed, the staff is very friendly, and the whole process is efficient.”
For Darwain, the preparation makes all the difference. From knowing what documents to bring, to having forms ready on site, he values how smoothly everything moves from start to finish.
His advice for other taxpayers is simple and practical:
“Follow the instructions CTA provides. Bring the documents they request. Arrive on time. If you’re prepared, everything goes quickly.”
Stories like Darwain’s remind us how important clarity, kindness, and consistency are — especially for neighbors who rely on trusted services year after year.
We’re grateful to continue serving Darwain and so many others across the city.

07/08/2026

Rose asked not to be photographed, which we completely respect. While you won’t see her face here, we’re grateful to share her story.

Rose lives in Virginia and has been coming to our Alexandria tax site at social services for the past three or four years. Each year, she looks up when tax assistance will begin, makes the call, and comes back. For Rose, it’s simple: it makes financial sense. Working part-time as a produce clerk, she knows that paying a commercial tax preparer could cost hundreds of dollars. “If I’m getting back $600 and you’re going to charge me $300 to do my taxes, what’s the sense?” she says. “Instead of me paying somebody else extra money, I can keep it in my pocket.” The savings aren’t extra spending money — they make everyday living possible. “I wouldn’t have $300 to just pull out of my pocket right now. I wouldn’t even have $100.”

But for Rose, it’s about more than just cost. She keeps coming back because of the people. “Most of the preparers are the people that have done them over the years. They’re all friendly. There’s no issues there.” Rose describes herself as outgoing, always willing to help, and someone who enjoys life — though she laughs and admits she can “catch an attitude at times.” At work, she helps customers load heavy items and buys drinks for coworkers who are short on cash. Sometimes she gives a little change to someone in need. “Not much,” she says, “but a little bit of something.” In her free time, she goes for walks and crochets — slowly working on a blanket for her bed, picking it up when the weather turns cold or icy. She has one sister in Southern Maryland, and she moves through her world with quiet generosity. “It’s wonderful that there’s people out here willing to take the time out to help others,” she says. And for Rose, that willingness makes all the difference.

04/28/2026

(Is not shown, but we appreciate his story)
Edward, a recent transplant from New York, has found a new lease on life in the vibrant communities surrounding DC. Selling his house during the COVID pandemic, he chose to move closer to his family—a sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews—seeking to escape the isolation he felt up North. Now, Edward revels in the accessibility and the myriad of activities the DC area offers, frequently utilizing public transportation to explore every corner from the bustling streets of the city to the serene paths in Silver Spring.

An avid reader who prefers the outdoors, Edward tries to immerse himself in nature whenever possible, enjoying walks and semi-hikes, aspiring to become a seasoned birdwatcher. His life took an unexpected turn three years ago when a surgical procedure led to debilitating nerve pain, forcing him to leave his 33-year career as a produce manager. Currently, Edward is navigating the challenging process of applying for disability, hoping for some stability in the wake of his health issues.

Described by those who know him as helpful and always ready to volunteer, Edward's caring nature shines through despite his own struggles. The complexities of tax season, however, have always been a significant source of stress for him. After a costly experience with professional tax preparation last year, he was introduced to Community Tax Aid (CTA) by his sister, a revelation that has significantly eased his tax-related anxieties.

Looking forward to spending his tax refund on rent and perhaps enjoying a few dinners out, Edward appreciates the sense of community and support he has found through CTA. As he adjusts to his new life in the DC area, the assistance from CTA not only alleviates his financial worries but also reinforces his belief in the kindness of volunteers and the strength found in community support.