Free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low and middle income, with special attention to those age 60 and older, is available from AARP Tax-Aide through April 17. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Tax law can often be confusing. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will make the process of filling out tax returns a whole lot easier. The volunteers have gone through a rigorous training program offered in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service, and have the knowledge to help prepare your return, taking advantage of the many provisions of the tax code. Well-trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will offer assistance with personal income tax returns at over 150 sites in Washington. And to speed refunds, we file returns electronically.

Last year, more than 1,200 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 81,000 Washington residents file their income tax returns. The program is offered at  senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Who uses Tax-Aide? Nationwide, about four out of five (78 percent) are 60 or older, 63 percent are women, and more than half have annual incomes less than $30,000. And most of those who use Tax-Aide would have paid to have their returns prepared.

Call our toll-free number, 1-888-227-7669, or go online at www.aarp.org/taxaide to locate an AARP Tax-Aide site near you.

When you visit the site, please bring a copy of last year’s return, all W-2 and 1099 forms including SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits paid, property tax records if applicable, all receipts and canceled checks if itemizing, Social Security cards for yourself and dependents, and if applicable, dependent care provider information including name, employer and Social Security number.

AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation, offered in conjunction with the IRS.