Free tax help starting in February

AARP Tax-Aide provides free income tax preparation for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Taxpayers do not have to be AARP members or be any specific age to obtain the free service.

Taxpayers are advised to bring the following items with them to the tax preparation site:

Last year's tax return; all W-2s from their employers; any 1099 statements from banks; pension plans or brokerage firms; W-2Gs from gambling winnings; home mortgage interest statements; paid property tax bills; medical expenses; educational expenses; child or dependent care expenses; receipts for charitable contributions of cash, check credit card or other than cash; and any other items or information necessary to support income or expenses such as alimony paid or received.

Most AARP Tax-Aide sites begin operation during the first week of February and continue until April 18. Interested individuals can call the toll-free number,

1-888-687-2277, to locate a site near them.