By AARP Tax-Aide

Wednesday, January 29 (9:00 a.m.): Free federal and state tax return preparation by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will be available at the Creekside Clubhouse Fairway Room every Tuesday and Thursday from Feb. 6 through April 15. This service is for anyone who needs to file a basic income tax return, with limited to moderate income and with special attention for those ages 50 and older. This service also is available to Rossmoor employees.

Appointments are required for tax preparation. On Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., sign-ups will be taken for tax preparation appointments on any of the dates from Feb. 6 through April 10 (Tuesdays and Thursdays) at Creekside Clubhouse.

Residents should bring their calendar and be prepared for a short wait. No tax returns will be prepared on Feb. 4, and on April 15 only previously started returns will be completed.

It is not necessary to show up at precisely 9 a.m. on Feb. 4; residents and employees can come anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Last year, there were longer lines up until about 10:30 a.m., and at that time appointments were still available for every day and every time slot for the season with little to no waiting.

To make appointment day easier, Tax-Aide is using the same system as last year, in which residents and employees take a number and wait to be called. There will be plenty of indoor seating for those waiting for their number to be called, so there is no need to stand in line in the cold while waiting.

Tax-Aide also will have counselors on hand to answer any questions before getting to the appointment desk. For those who can’t come in Feb. 4, appointments can be scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. throughout the season. All appointments must be made in person.

Checking with a counselor to decide what month is best for doing the return will help ensure that filers will have everything they need for a successful appointment. Coming to an appointment without all the needed documents could force rescheduling, and that may become difficult.

Also, coming in unprepared wastes an appointment that some else could have used. Spending time using these review services will not lose one’s place in line to make an appointment.

Residents who are confident that they know the best time to make an appointment can skip these services. They are not mandatory.

Tax-Aide is sponsored by the AARP Foundation, in cooperation with Contra Costa County, the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board.