Volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service are available to help prepare and electronically file tax returns for low-income and middle-income taxpayers.

The service, sponsored by the AARP Foundation, is free and available to taxpayers of all ages. Appointments are required.

The Tax-Aide service is provided at the following places in Jefferson County:

• Port Townsend Community Center, 620 Tyler St. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesdays and Fridays. Call 385-9007 for an appointment.

• Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mondays; 3-7 p.m., Wednesdays. Call 732-4822 for an appointment.

The AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are authorized to prepare most basic tax returns, making sure that the taxpayer receives all eligible deductions and credits. They do not prepare returns for taxpayers that have income from rental properties, or for taxpayers with complicated business returns.

WHAT TO BRING

Taxpayers should bring the following with them to their tax-preparation appointment:

• Photo ID for the taxpayer (required)

• Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse and all dependents (required)

• W-2 from each employer

• All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, SSA-1099, 1099-G, 1099-C, etc.). These include income from interest, dividends, stock sales, retirement, self-employment, Social Security, unemployment compensation and cancellation of debt.

• Copy of 2013 tax return

• Check or bank document with routing and account numbers, if direct deposit desired

NEW THIS YEAR

• Documentation of health insurance coverage for taxpayer, spouse and all dependents; also, Form 1095-A, if received from Health Insurance Marketplace.

• Any other documents necessary to complete your return. For example, documentation of medical expenses, taxes paid, mortgage interest paid and charitable contributions, if itemizing deductions.