Area volunteers with the AARP Tax-Aide Program will be on hand at the University of Maine at Presque Isle on Saturdays for the next two months to help members of the community prepare their tax returns.

Volunteers will be providing this free service from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from Feb. 6 to April 10 in Room 118 of UMPI’s Campus Center. The work these volunteers are doing is connected to the VITA [Volunteer Income Tax Assistance] and TCE [Tax Counseling for the Elderly] programs.

According to Lowell Glidden, district coordinator, these programs allow volunteers to prepare individuals’ income tax returns (both federal and state) and electronically file them at no charge. All volunteers participating in the program have undergone training, passed the qualifying IRS examinations, and are certified tax preparers.

The VITA program, which originated with the Tax Reform Act of 1969 and is administered by the Internal Revenue Service, offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals who cannot afford professional assistance, according to an IRS fact sheet. There are currently more than 40,000 volunteers participating in the VITA tax preparation program

Individuals who utilize these services should bring the following items with them in order to get their tax returns processed: a driver’s license or photo ID; social security number or individual tax identification number for each person included in the tax return; W-2 forms; a copy of last year’s tax return, if available; and a record of 2009 property or real estate taxes. Also, those who purchased a car between February and December, 2009, should bring a copy of their sales tax invoice. If filing jointly, spouses must be present. Please note that, depending on the individual situation, other information, documentation or forms may need to be provided.

Drop-ins are welcome. For more information or if you have special scheduling needs, contact Glidden at 769-7651 or atlogme@mfx.net.