The St. James Senior Center is hosting AARP for free tax preparation appointments on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through April 15. Call 573-265-7072 ext. 5 to schedule an appointment.

According to Senior Center Administrative Assistant Renee Coppedge, this is a popular service in the community and appointments are booking up quickly. The soonest available appointments are being scheduled out to April.

Residents who schedule an appointment can receive help from trained, IRS-certified AARP volunteers on a wide range of common tax situations. This includes reporting Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits, interest earned on savings or investments, proceeds from sales, pensions, annuities and IRA distributions. 

Assistance is also available for credits and deductions such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, mortgage interest and property taxes, charitable donations and education-related expenses like tuition and student loan interest.

For married couples filing jointly, both spouses must be present at the appointment. Photo identification, Social Security cards or ITIN documents, a copy of last year’s return and all W-2, 1098 and 1099 forms should be brought to the appointment. If insurance has been purchased through the marketplace, bring 1095 forms. For direct deposits or refund, bring proof of saving/checking account and routing numbers.

Since appointments at the senior center are limited and filling up fast, anyone interested is encouraged to schedule as early as possible. AARP volunteers will also be at the Rolla Courthouse for walk-in appointments from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.