The American Association of Retired People (AARP) will offer free income tax assistance this winter at the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center, according to Tonya Myer, center director.

The service is offered each Thursday from Feb. 3 to April 7. While the service is free appointments are needed. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. each Thursday.

Meyer said that senior citizens must call 419-358-8971 for an appointment.

"You must bring a photo ID and Social Security Card or the volunteers cannot help you with your taxes," she said. "Also, bring last year's returns, current forms received by mail, SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms showing income, all W-2s and all information concerning 2010 income."

"If you are itemizing, the forms will not be ready until the end of February or beginning of March, because of recent laws passed by Congress," she said. "Also, if itemizing, please have all items added up, as the volunteers do not have time to do this for you."