Free tax return preparation with free e-filing is available to seniors and those with low income at several American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) sites from February through April 15. With the new tax changes, there are many who may not need to file at all, and many who have itemized in the past will not need to do so. The local sites are in Fairview, Jonesboro, and McDonough.

  The Fairview site will be open Thursdays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fairview Recreation Center, 35 Austin Road, Stockbridge, beginning February 7.

  The Jonesboro site will be open Fridays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Charley Griswell Senior Center, 2300 Hwy. 138E, Jonesboro.  

  Appointments are necessary at these two sites; call Linda Holcomb at 770-412-2940 to make arrangements.

  The McDonough site is located in the building of the McDonough Assembly of God, 338 Hwy. 42 N. The hours are 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. every Monday. No appointments will be made; do not call the church or the Senior Center; they are not involved with the tax counseling. Clients will be taken in order of arrival. Do not come until you are positive that you have received all your documents. For more information, call Elaine Childs at 770-778-3363.   

  When you come for preparation, bring the following: Your 2017 tax return; picture ID’s and Social Security numbers for self, spouse, and any dependents; W-2’s; SSA 1099’s; 1099R’s; 1099 INT’s; 1099 DIV’s; 1099G’s, stock reports – all sources of income. If you had insurance through the Marketplace, bring the 1095 form.

  If you are itemizing, bring receipts or clear documentation about medical expenses, insurance premiums, mortgage, property tax, donations, etc. Please total your receipts before you come. Since the standard deduction almost doubled, these will have to be very large deductions.