Tax volunteers getting ready to help

Income tax time is nearly here and free tax preparation will be offered again at the Grand Coulee Dam Senior Center.

Volunteers trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and AARP will be available every Tuesday from Feb. 10 to April 7, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The service is available to anyone with low or middle income. You do not need to be seniors or members of the senior center to take advantage of the free help, says volunteer Hazel Johnson, although special attention is given to those 60 or older.

Taxpayers need to bring a copy of last year's tax return, social security cards or other official documentation showing social security numbers for themselves and all dependents. They should also bring proof of salary, interest, pensions, social security and other sources of income.

You must also now show that everyone on your tax return has at least the minimum required health insurance, Johnson said. So bring information about the coverage and months of coverage for each person. If your health care was purchased through the Affordable Care Act, bring Form 1095-A.

And for a faster refund, bring a sample check so our refund can be direct deposited into your bank account.

Volunteers helping in the effort this year are Mary Jane Bailey, Betty Brueske, Lonna Bussert, Deb Guttormsen, Birdie Hensley, Nora Jenn, Hazel Johnson, Charley Long (22 years), Liz Marcolin, Sally McDowell, Ken Miles, Kathy Rice (23 years), Janet Sanchez, and Kay Wallace.