AARP Tax Aide assistance will be offered starting in February at area locations, for those over age 50 and those with a limited income.

This year, it will be offered at St. Paul Lutheran Church instead of Alpena County Library. It will also be offered at the Alpena Senior Citizens Center, Alcona County Commission on Aging in Lincoln, and the Hillman Library in Hillman.

Appointments are required at all sites.

¯ St. Paul appointments will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Mondays and Saturdays, and from 2:15 to 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. For an appointment, call 989-335-3728 between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday.

¯ Alpena Senior Citizens Center appointments will be on Thursdays only during February and March. Call 989-356-3585.

¯ Hillman Library appointments are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only by calling 989-742-4021.

¯ Alcona County Commission on Aging in Lincoln offers Friday-only appointments in February and March. Call 989-335-3728 between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Saturday.

Taxpayers should bring the following items to their appointment:

¯ Social Security card for you, your spouse and all dependents;

¯ Picture ID for you and your spouse;

¯ If you are filing a joint return with your spouse, both of you must be present;

¯ A copy of your 2018 income tax return;

¯ Social Security statement for 2019, if you are drawing Social Security;

¯ Proof of income in 2019, including all wages, interest and dividends, pensions and IRA account withdrawals, stock and mutual fund transactions;

¯ Property tax statements for summer and winter taxes for 2019;

¯ Statement of heating costs or bills for the 12-month period through October 2019;

¯ The amount paid for health insurance premiums;

¯ If you had health insurance through the Marketplace, you must bring your 1095-A statement;

¯ SSI income letter stating what you received in 2019, if applicable.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and American Association of Retired Persons Foundation (AARP) jointly sponsor the Tax Aide program. Volunteer counselors help fill out basic state and federal tax forms, and electronic filing will be completed at no cost to the taxpayer. The program does not offer services to those with rental income. Individuals in need of business tax or similar advanced special program assistance will be referred to paid preparers.

There are also Tax Aide sites in Hale (989-257-2460), East Tawas (989-820-1929), Oscoda (989-739-9581) and Otsego Library in Gaylord (989-732-5841).