AARP helps tackle tax time

Volunteers in the area are gearing up to offer income tax assistance.

The service, provided through the Tax-Aide program of the Association of American Retired Persons foundation, is available to residents of Hardin and surrounding counties Feb. 5-April 11 at the Hardin County Public Library branch on Jim Owen Drive in Elizabethtown.

Volunteers help residents complete state and federal returns and take advantage of tax benefits.

The service is not designed to help with business or farm tax returns. Volunteers also can help some taxpayers who are self-employed.

The program is designed mostly for older residents with low or moderate income, but volunteers will help taxpayers of any age. Visitors don’t have to be AARP members.

Volunteers plan to be available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays during the assistance period.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling (270) 862-5847.

Special arrangements can be made for residents who are shut-in or disabled by calling (270) 769-8600.

Residents should bring photo identification, a Social Security card and copies of federal and state tax returns from last year. Participants also are asked to bring all wage and retired pay statements, including those from Social Security, and other relevant documents showing income for 2012.

There are no longer tax help locations in Radcliff or Meade County.

Amber Coulter can be reached at (270) 505-1746 or acoulter@thenewsenterprise.com.