Free Help for Seniors, Others at Tax Time

The American Assn. of Retired Persons is offering free tax assistance to San Fernando Valley residents from now until April 15 through Tax-Aide, a program sponsored in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.

Tax-Aide volunteers will prepare returns for low- or moderate-income residents at several locations throughout the San Fernando Valley, with preference given to senior citizens.

Volunteers, who are trained by the IRS to complete basic tax forms, 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. Appointments are necessary. The AARP and the IRS’ Tax Counseling for the Elderly project are working together to provide the program.

The service will be offered at the following locations:

* East Valley Senior Center, 5000 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood, (818) 766-5165.

* Bernardi Multipurpose Center, 6514 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, (818) 781-1101.

* Mid-Valley Senior Center, 14450 Valerio St., Van Nuys, (818) 785-8488.

* Panorama Mall, 8401 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, (818) 891-6518.

* Office of Assemblyman Richard Katz, 9140 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, (818) 894-3671.

* Pacoima Multipurpose Senior Center, 11300 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima, (818) 834-6100.

* Van Nuys Federal Building, 6230 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 1-S7, Van Nuys, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. No appointments are necessary at this location.