Valleywide : AARP Volunteers Give Free Tax Return Help

If it gets too taxing, the American Assn. of Retired Persons can help.

Beginning in February, San Fernando Valley residents can get free assistance with the preparation of tax returns through Tax-Aide, a program sponsored by the AARP in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, said Steve Wachtel, West Valley coordinator for the group.

Tax-Aide volunteers, who are trained by the IRS to complete basic tax forms, will prepare returns for low- or moderate-income residents, with preference given to senior citizens, at several locations throughout the Valley.

AARP and the IRS’ Tax Counseling for the Elderly project work together to provide the program, which will run from Feb. 1 through April 15.

Volunteers ask that each taxpayer bring current tax records, the tax booklet and a copy of last year’s income tax return to the Tax-Aide session.

Wachtel said that last year about 950 taxpayers had their returns prepared at Tax-Aide.

The service will be available at the following locations:

* Wilkinson Senior Center, 8956 Vanalden Ave., Northridge, (818) 756-7741.

* North Valley Jewish Center, 16601 Rinaldi St., Granada Hills, (818) 360-2211.

* Canoga Park Senior Center, 7326 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park, (818) 340-2633.

* Reseda Center, 18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda, (818) 705-2345.

* Mayor’s Small Business Center, 19040 Vanowen St., Reseda, (818) 989-8217.

* West Valley Jewish Center, 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, (818) 587-3300.

* Agoura Hills Senior Center, 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura, (818) 879-0544.

Hours vary from center to center. Those interested in the service should call for further information.