The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will be offering its annual tax assistance program from Feb. 1 to April 15.

Appointments can be made beginning Wednesday, Jan. 20, by calling 509-1446.

The program will operate under new no-contact procedures this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the program ended early due to the pandemic.

Taxpayers with appointments will come to the entrance of the American Legion building at 1949 N. Broadway to complete an intake form and drop off their paperwork. The paperwork will be scanned and held electronically in an encrypted format. Original papers will be returned to the taxpayer.

A tax preparer will call the taxpayer to discuss the return. The completed return will be submitted electronically to a reviewer, who will contact the taxpayer to ensure information is correct. Once the return is finalized, the taxpayer will be contacted to set up a time to sign paperwork and receive a copy.

Taxpayers should bring to their first appointment any income documents, such as W-2s or 1099s, and information regarding deductions to be claimed, including medical expenses. They also will need to provide bank account numbers for direct deposit if refunds are expected. Paperwork should be removed from any envelopes before being delivered to the Tax-Aide site.

Taxpayers will need to show photo IDs and Social Security cards for individuals included on the tax returns.

The Tax-Aide program aims to complete a taxpayer’s return within 72 hours.

The program provides free tax assistance for low- to moderate-income residents, with an emphasis on assisting seniors. The program assists with basic returns, which includes returns of retired farmers and the self-employed.

The tax headquarters in the American Legion will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.