The Senior Center of South Pearl River County and the American Association for Retired Persons Foundation are hosting their annual Tax-Aide program for senior or low-income citizens who need filing assistance.

“We provide this service from the AARP for the entire community,” said Senior Center Executive Director Darlene Adams.

The AARP website states that the Tax-Aide service has offered assistance to around 50 million Americans since 1968. While special attention is offered to residents who are 60 or older, the service is available to any low to moderate-income taxpayer.

Adams said there are no appointments and that anyone interested in receiving assistance should come to the center and sign up.

From there, the AARP’s certified volunteers will provide face-to-face tax preparation and answer any questions an individual may have, even if a return is not filed.

The volunteers can do state tax returns for both Mississippi and Louisiana, said Adams.

Tax-Aide assistance includes free electronic filing. Those who are interested in this service should have proof of identification and social security cards for themselves, their spouse and any dependents, as well as all the appropriate forms required from banks and employers.

For a complete list of the paperwork needed, visit the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide website at http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-01-2011/important-tax-documents.html.

The Senior Center of South Pearl River County, which is located at 45 El Patch Parkway in Picayune, will provide Tax-Aide assistance from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The services began on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and will continue through Tuesday, Apr. 14. The center will be closed for the Mardi Gras holidays on Feb. 17 and Feb. 26.