Beginning Friday, Feb. 2 and continuing through Friday, April 13, residents can receive free income tax preparation from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a tax-exempt charity of AARP. Membership in AARP is not required.

Free income tax preparation will be provided on Tuesdays and Fridays at La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. (corner of La Crescenta Avenue). Enter from the upper level parking lot.

The hours are Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Taxpayers will be helped on a “first-come-first-served” basis; advanced reservations are not available.

The mission of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is to provide high-quality free income tax assistance and tax form preparation to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. However, as a practical matter, very few taxpayers are turned away if their return is within the scope of services established by AARP Foundation.

All tax returns, both federal and California, are filed electronically using IRS-provided tax preparation software. Tax returns are prepared by volunteer tax counselors who are trained and certified by IRS; all returns are subject to a quality review by a second certified counselor. After the tax return is prepared and reviewed, it is e-filed within 24 hours; copies of filed tax returns are provided to the taxpayer.

All tax counselors must adhere to IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct as well as AARP’s Standards of Professionalism. This means taxpayers can be assured their tax information is treated with strict confidentiality and security.

Taxpayers should bring with them:

• Last year’s tax returns

• Social Security cards for you, your spouse (if filing a joint return), and all eligible dependents – required

• Picture identification for you and your spouse (if filing a joint return) issued by a government agency – required

• Income-related documents: SSA 1099, Form 1099R, W2, Unemployment Compensation statements, and other Forms 1099 showing interest, dividends, and other income

• Expense-related documents: forms showing federal and state income taxes paid, Forms 1098, summaries of medical, dental, prescription drug expenses, contributions to charities, vehicle tax statements, property taxes and home mortgage interest, and any business expenses. Receipts for expenses need to be in reasonable order and legible

• Proof of qualifying health coverage under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”): Form 1095-A, Form 1095-B, or Form 1095-C

• Brokerage statements or other documentation showing the cost basis (purchase price) and date purchased for all securities or property sold or transferred during the tax year

• A blank check with your name printed on it, if you want direct deposit or debit for any refund or balance due

• If you received a pension or annuity from a former employer, please bring the date you began receiving these payments

Preparation of your return can be delayed if any of the above documents are not available.

Other AARP Foundation Tax-Aide locations in the area can be found at http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action.

No taxes will be prepared on Friday, April 6.