From Feb. 6 to April 10, AARP Tax Aide volunteers in Rowan County will prepare federal and state tax returns without cost to the taxpayer at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Boundary St.

This free tax counseling and preparation service will be offered to middle-to low-income taxpayers, with priority given to those 60 and older. For the 2006 tax year, the counselors will be trained to help people file the basic federal and state tax returns.

The Rufty-Holmes site will provide computer prepared returns. In addition, the Tax Aides will offer free electronic filing for the seventh year. Each taxpayer whose return is filed electronically will receive a paper copy of their return for their records.

There are many advantages and benefits which result from electronic filing, the most important of which is increased accuracy. Tax-payers will receive faster refunds, have their refund direct deposited and receive confirmation that their return has been accepted by the IRS.

The staff at Rufty-Holmes will begin making appointments for tax preparation sessions beginning on Monday, Jan. 29.

Call 704-216-7714 to arrange a time to have your tax returns prepared.

Bring the following documentation with you: (1) Personal identification for each taxpayer, (2) Social Security information, (3) A copy of last year’s tax return, (4) Any forms such as W-2s, 1099s and any other forms or reports which they have received that are related to tax matters. Families with children should have identification for each child, Social Security cards and any information related to child care.

Program to assist with telephone tax refund

The local AARP Tax-Aide Program will assist qualified taxpayers in applying for the one-time refund on federal long distance service excise taxes as part of its free tax service this spring.

Those persons filing income tax returns will have this refund calculated as part of their regular filing, and can receive assistance on Tuesdays during February, March and early April by appointment at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.

People who do not have to file a return can still file to receive the telephone tax refund, ranging from a minimum of $30 for a person with one exemption to a maximum of $60 (four or more exemptions).

Those who do not have to file a regular return can receive help in filing the telephone tax refund form 2-5 p.m. Wednesday afternoons beginning Feb. 7 at the senior center.

This free service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis each Wednesday afternoon through March 28.

Those seeking assistance should bring a photo ID and a Social Security card as verification of identity.

The Wednesday assistance time is only for those who are not required to file a regular tax return.

The federal government is refunding to everyone who has a telephone in their home the taxes paid on long-distance telephone calls between the period of Feb. 28, 2003 and Aug. 1, 2006.

This tax is no longer being collected.

For more information about this service, call Rufty-Holmes Senior Center at 704-216-7714.