Recently, I heard the Beatles song “Taxman” from the Revolver album on the radio. As I was singing along, it occurred to me how appropriate it was because tax time is fast approaching.

Now, many seniors may not need to worry about tax forms and filing anymore, but sometimes it pays to check things out.

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

Rich Jung, retired certified public accountant and district coordinator for the program, 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,” he said. “Also, this year seniors may be eligible for a telephone tax refund of up to $60 even if they are not required to file an income tax return. Seniors may be eligible for a retirement savings contribution tax credit, as well.”

AARP Tax Aide has been around since 1968 and was one of the first programs that used volunteers to ensure that 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 until April 17. 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 set up shop in libraries and offices, including Eastern Agency on Aging, to fulfill their mission of seeing that every senior who is eligible for a refund gets one. EAA is taking appointments for Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the Bangor Public Library is available on a first-come, first-served basis Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seniors go to the head of the line, however.

“We have 17 other local sites which can be found by calling AARP at (888) 227-7669 or by visiting the Web at www.aarp.org/taxaide,” said Jung. “These sites can also be reached by calling 2-1-1.”

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

. W-2 forms.

. 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 and charitable 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.

The volunteers love what they do and they clearly make a difference.

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

“Sometimes not being typical is the best surprise of all,” he added.

To obtain more information on tax aid or to make an appointment with one of the volunteers, call EAA at 941-2865.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812; visit www.eaaa.org, or e-mail info@eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.