POINT PLEASANT — Three AARP volunteers trained to assist area residents prepare income tax returns are scheduled to be at the Mason County Public Library in Point Pleasant from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7, weather permitting.

The library staff is taking appointments for the service, available to middle- and low-income taxpayers with special attention to those 60 and older.

The tax advisers, certified by the Internal Revenue Service, offer confidential and free tax preparation with the electronic filing option for basic federal and state tax forms.

Nationally, the tax aide program started in 1968 with four volunteers who served 100 people. The AARP Foundation program now has more than 32,000 volunteers who have helped more than 36 million people file returns, the organization reports.

To make preparation easier, residents should bring a copy of the previous year’s tax return, employer W-2 forms, all 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends, Social Security benefits, retirement pension or annuity and forms indicating federal income tax that has been paid.

Other documents, if applicable, include unemployment compensation statements, child- care provider name, employer identification and Social Security numbers and, if itemizing, receipts or canceled checks for deductions.

Social Security numbers of dependents also should be provided and senior citizens should bring information on state property tax paid on owner-occupied homes in 2008.

For joint returns, both parties need to sign the completed document.

To schedule an appointment, stop at the library or call 304-675-0894 during regular hours. The library is open 1-5 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday except holidays or when closed by inclement weather.