Once again, AARP Tax Aide assistance will be offered at locations in the area: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Green Township Hall (formerly the Hillman Library), and First Baptist Church (formerly Alcona County Commission on Aging) in Lincoln.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and American Association of Retired Persons Foundation (AARP) jointly sponsor the Tax Aide program, which is free to seniors and those with low or limited incomes.

All volunteer counselors receive training each year and have to pass a test to verify they have an understanding of the tax material. Individuals in need of business tax or similar advanced special program assistance are referred to paid preparers.

All sites are by appointment only this year.

Tax help at St. Paul Lutheran Church will be offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. The church is located at 727 S. Second Ave., Alpena. Call 989-318-3360 for an appointment.

Tax help at Green Township Hall in Lachine will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call 989-306-6740 for an appointment.

Tax help at First Baptist Church in Lincoln will be offered on Friday only. The church is located at 202 Main Street. Call 989-318-3360 for an appointment.

There are also sites in Hale (989-257-2460), East Tawas (989-820-1929) and Oscoda (989-305-9800).

In response to the COVID situation, there are restrictions on how the volunteers can service the clientele. Some of the sites will be doing a drop-off method. This method involves the taxpayer completing interview documents prior to meeting with the preparer. This will also require that the taxpayer have all of the required documents readily available and complete. The information will be received and some questions asked. The taxpayer will then leave while the return is being prepared and reviewed. The taxpayer will then return for a review of the completed return and signature allowing the efiling of the return. This will be done the same day.

Some of the sites may be doing a scanning process. This will require the same information being provided at the time of the initial interview. The papers will all be scanned and then returned to the taxpayer. Another appointment for the following week will be made and that is when the review of the return will be done and signatures completed to allow the efiling of the return.

In either process an appointment must be made. Masks are required.

Electronic filing service at no cost to the taxpayer will be done.

Taxpayers are asked to bring the following items to their appointment:

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

¯ Picture ID required for you and your spouse.

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

¯ A copy of last year’s income tax return.

¯ Social Security statement for 2020, if drawing Social Security.

¯ Proof of income in 2020, including all wages, interest and dividends, pensions and IRA account withdrawals, stock and mutual fund transactions.

¯ Property tax statements for the summer and winter taxes for 2020.

¯ A statement of heating costs or bills for the 12-month period.

¯ The amount paid for health insurance premiums. If you had your health insurance through the Marketplace, you must bring your 1095-A statement.

¯ If you receive SSI income, please bring the letter stating what you received for 2020.

This service is not available for those who receive rental income. Taxpayers with this status should seek advice from a paid tax preparer.