AARP Tax Aide assistance will be offered at locations in the area: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, First Baptist Church in Lincoln, and Green Township Hall in Lachine.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) jointly sponsor the Tax Aide Program for those over 50 and those with a limited income. 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 tax preparers.

Tax help is offered at St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 727 S. 2nd Ave., Alpena, by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Call 989-318-3360 for an appointment.

Tax help is offered at Green Township Hall at the intersection of M-32 and M-65 in Lachine, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Call 989-318-3360 for an appointment.

Tax help is offered at First Baptist Church, 202 Main Street, Lincoln, on Friday, with a follow-up appointment the next Tuesday. Call 989-318-3360 for an appointment.

There are also sites in Hale (989-257-2460), East Tawas (989-820-1929), and Oscoda (989-739-9581).

Taxpayers are required to wear masks and 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 filing a joint return, you and your spouse must be present.

¯ A copy of 2021 income tax return.

¯ Social Security statement for 2021, if drawing Social Security.

¯ Proof of all 2021 income, including wages, interest and dividends, pensions and IRA account withdrawals, stock and mutual fund transactions.

¯ Property tax statements for the summer and winter taxes for 2021.

¯ Statement of heating costs or bills for the 12-month period through October 2021.

¯ The amount paid for health care premiums.

¯ Bring your 1095-A statement if health insurance is through the marketplace.

¯ Letter stating any SSI income received in 2021.

Taxpayers with rental income are not eligible for this service and will be referred to a paid tax preparer.

Some sites may be doing a drop-off method or phone interviews due to COVID. Call for details and an appointment.