AARP providing free tax assistance to elderly, others

AARP announced the sites in Lorain County that will provide free tax assistance for middle- to low-income taxpayers and the elderly.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available from Feb. 1 to April 15 by appointment only to prepare most personal state and federal tax returns, according to a news release.

All volunteers are IRStrained and certified and all sites in the county will file tax returns electronically, the release said.

AARP asks taxpayers and their spouses (if they file jointly) who qualify and are in need of assistance to bring:

• Picture identification and social security cards of the taxpayer and anyone else included on the return

• A copy of last year’s federal and state income tax returns

• All W-2 forms from each employer, if a salary was earned

• SSA-1099 form showing Social Security benefits received

• All 1099 forms

• All receipts or canceled checks for medical or dental expenses, contributions and similar records if itemizing deductions

• Any forms related to health care insurance

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available from Feb. 1 to April 15 by appointment only to prepare most personal state and federal tax returns, according to a news release.