Free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers is available from AARP Tax-Aide from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 4 through April 15 at the Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Avenue. Call 425-587-3360 to schedule an appointment.

AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation offered in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service. You do not need to be a member of the AARP or a retiree to use this service. There are no age limitations, but special attention is given to those 60 and older. Since returns are electronically filed, refunds can be received in as little as 10 days.

Those visiting a tax-aide site are asked to bring a copy of last year’s return, all W-2, and 1099 forms including SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits paid, 1099-G unemployment payments, 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 and ID number.

Tax law can often be confusing. AARP volunteers can make the process of filling out tax returns easier. The volunteers have gone through a rigorous training program offered in conjunction with the IRS and have the knowledge to take advantage of many of the provisions of the tax code in preparing your return.

Last year, more than 1,000 AARP tax-aide volunteers trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service helped more than 56,000 Washington residents file their personal income tax returns. The program is offered at more than 200 senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations in Washington.

To locate other TaxAide sites and operating times near you, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. TaxAide sites in Redmond, Issaquah, Bothell and Bellevue are also open from Feb. 1 through April 16.