AARP offers help with tax preparation

Free, in-person tax preparation will be available this year from local AARP volunteers for Tax Aide, according to a news release.

The service is available for everyone but is aimed primarily at those 50 and over and low- to moderate-income people without regard to age.

Both federal returns and state returns can be prepared, and the volunteers can file electronically for most taxpayers. Special arrangements are required to assist taxpayers claiming the Border City Exemption, but the volunteers are familiar with that and can provide the needed support.

Feb. 1 through April 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, volunteers will be at Southwest Recreation Center, 3222 W. Seventh St., Texarkana, Texas. Help is available on a first come, first served basis.

A second site will offer help by appointment only on Wednesdays starting Feb. 7 at New Boston Public Library, 127 N. Ellis St. To make an appointment, call 903-628-5414.

Taxpayers must bring Social Security cards for themselves and all dependents, photo ID, all relevant tax forms and records (W-2, SSA1099, medical expenses, etc.), last year’s tax return and all health care insurance documents.

Local statistics are not available, but nationwide last year the 5,000 Tax Aide sites helped taxpayers file 1.5 million federal returns, generating almost $1.4 billion in refunds and $222 million in earned income credit.

For more information, call 903824-3735.