It’s been said that there are only two things in life of which you can be sure: death and taxes.

Now death is an “either-or” situation, black and white, if you will. Well, it’s a whole different story with taxes. They are not simply black and white, but fraught with varying shades of gray.

As April 15 approaches, our thoughts turn to income taxes. While seniors who receive Social Security may not need to file an income tax return, there are some reasons why filing might be a good idea, if possible.

The volunteers with AARP’s Tax Aide Program have answers to questions you might not even have thought to ask, said Stan Marshall, Tax Aide volunteer.

Rich Jung agrees.

“It is important for seniors to visit with us because there may be some credits for which they are eligible, such as earned income credit if they are still working, and especially if they have a child living with them – and an education tax credit if they helped their grandchild with school costs,” said Jung, retired CPA and district coordinator for the program. “They may be eligible for a retirement savings contribution tax credit.”

AARP Tax Aide has been around since 1968 and was one of the first programs that used volunteers to ensure older people received necessary and important services. In 1980, a cooperative agreement was reached with the Internal Revenue Service as part of its Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

The volunteers have extensive weeklong training, are certified, and are available to the public from Feb. 1 to April 15. The service is free and open to anyone of low or middle income, but special attention is given to seniors 60 and older.

“We assist in filing basic tax forms and schedules, including the 1040, 1040A and the 1040EZ. We also do electronic filing for free, which is quite a savings,” said Jung. “But if someone has a complex form, or a hefty income, we advise them to seek paid tax assistance. Our goal is to reach people who really need the help, especially seniors.”

These dedicated volunteers have infiltrated libraries and office spaces all over the state to fulfill their mission for seeing that every senior who is eligible for a refund, gets one.

Eastern Agency on Aging is taking appointments for 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, while the Bangor Public Library is available on a first-come, first-served basis 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. Seniors go to the head of the line, however.

“You can find other local sites by calling the AARP at (888) 227-7669, or visit the Web at www.aarp.org/taxaide,” said Jung.

Volunteers also will make visits to the homebound, to hospitals and to nursing homes.

Jung has a list of things to bring when meeting with your Tax Aide volunteer, including:

. Picture identification.

. Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse and any dependents.

. Copy of last year’s income tax returns.

. SSA-1099 forms if you were paid Social Security, and any other 1099 forms you have.

. Summary of deductions such as medical expenses, taxes or contributions, if you are planning to itemize.

“If you or someone else does your tax return and you want to double-check it, we will do that too,” said Marshall. “And it’s an opportunity for personal support in making tax filing a shared experience with a knowledgeable person. You can sit right with us while we do the return and watch the computer screen with us.” The volunteers love what they do and they clearly make a difference.

“I remember one woman a few years ago who was in her 60s and disabled,” said Jung. “She came in with a shoe box full of papers. We spent a couple of hours together and saved her hundreds of dollars in deductions. She was still working and wasn’t aware of all the deductions she was eligible for.”

While typically, seniors who are receiving only Social Security don’t need to file a return, said Marshall, sometimes there are pleasant surprises.

“Sometimes people don’t realize they’re not typical,” he added.

Be sure to tune into WVOM, The Voice of Maine, 103.9 FM at 6:30 a.m. Saturday mornings for “Senior Talk with Carol Higgins.” It is a show for and about seniors. Not an early riser? Don’t worry. The show airs again at 9 a.m. Wednesday on WABI-AM 910, right after George Hale. I’d love to have you join me.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or e-mail info@eaaa.org.