Community Tax Aid

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.

04/21/2026

04/15/2026

Our crew at the Ready, Set, File event on April 4th!

04/03/2026

Community Tax Aid is excited to be part of the Ready, Set, File event this Saturday, April 4!

Need help filing your tax return, have questions, or dealing with an IRS or DC tax issue? We’re here to help.

03/31/2026

Larry preferred not to have a photo, but we so appreciate his sharing his experience.

Larry is a proud Washington, DC native — born and raised in the city he still calls home. Now 26 and turning 27 this April, Larry is full of creativity, ambition, and gratitude for every new day.
“I’m a real joyful, pure, genuine person,” he shared with a smile.
By day, Larry lives in Takoma Park and works in Virginia as an Amazon delivery driver. By night, he’s building toward his future as a graphic designer — creating business cards, stickers, and digital designs. He’ll be starting online classes this spring to continue growing his skills.
When he’s not working or designing, Larry stays busy in ways that keep him balanced: working out, listening to music, streaming on Twitch, and playing video games — especially Call of Duty. “I try to keep a balance,” he said. “I know my mind can go everywhere, so I try to stay in one place that keeps me whole.”
Family is at the center of Larry’s life. All of his relatives still live in the District, and Community Tax Aid has been part of his routine since he first started filing taxes after high school.
“My mother came here first,” Larry explained. “Ever since I was able to file taxes, I’ve always been coming.”
This year at the Howard tax site, Larry described the experience as more than just professional — it felt personal.
“They bring anybody in like family,” he said. “They make sure they treat you right. They get you done quick, real professional, and make sure everything is right so you can get your return.”
What stands out most to Larry is knowing that quality service is right in his own community.
“It’s amazing that something right around the corner at this beautiful school can do your taxes the right way and really look out for you.”

03/20/2026

For Stu, “all the stars aligned.” After a ten-year gap, he returned to volunteer at the Alexandria tax site this year for his second year. A CPA for seven years, he laughs and admits, “I should have come back then.” Although he doesn’t regularly practice tax preparation in his day-to-day work — aside from filing his own and helping a few friends — volunteering has reintroduced him to areas of the tax code he wouldn’t otherwise encounter, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the nuances of rideshare income. “Being refreshed on things that are more targeted to the taxpayers here was helpful,” he says.

Stu sees clearly where Community Tax Aid makes the biggest impact. While many people can navigate simple returns using affordable online software, he believes the organization truly shines when cases become more complicated. “Having more expert help on the non-regular, non-simple ones — that’s where CTA helps a lot.” He recalls one recent client whose employer had gone out of business, leaving her without a W-2. The situation was especially challenging because she also had limited English proficiency. “That felt more rewarding,” he reflects. “That would have been difficult for somebody to do on their own.”

For Stu, volunteering is also a meaningful and manageable way to give back. “It’s kind of an easy way to give back, because I know something that would be beneficial to share with people,” he says. It gives him something purposeful to do every Wednesday — something not everyone can do.

Outside the tax site, Stu is preparing for a major life change. He and his wife, who have been together nearly six years, are expecting their first baby in just a month. He jokes that he may “slip in a volunteer day” during parental leave for a little break from a crying newborn. Having previously worked at the Treasury Department, he remembers the IRS-themed baby bibs that say “Future Taxpayer.” After giving so many to his mom — also a CPA — to pass along to her clients, he laughs: “Now it’s finally time for me to have one.”