Free tax counseling and tax preparation assistance for people of middle and low incomes, with special attention given to those age 60 and older, is being offered in St. Ignace, Mackinaw City, Cedarville, Kinross, Rudyard, Engadine, and Sault Ste. Marie. The community service AARP Tax-Aide program will continue through April 15, the deadline for filing 2009 tax returns.

New this year is the Making Work Pay tax credit of up to $400 or $800 for married people filing jointly. There is also a one-time credit for certain government retirees who receive a pension and are not covered by Social Security. The Hope credit for college education expenses has been expanded. Also, there is a first-time home buyer credit and a deduction for sales tax paid for a new vehicle purchase.

Regarding Michigan Credits for Property Tax relief and Home Heating relief, people are advised to check to determine if they are eligible.

“Very often people think they don’t owe any tax so they don’t bother to see if they are eligible for the credits,” said Jack Oslon of the Tax-Aide program. “Bring your Property Tax statements and home heating bills with you to your appointment.”

Tax-Aide sites are available at the following places:

• St. Ignace Public Library in St. Ignace, Thursdays, March 11 and 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For appointments, call 643-7307.

• Mackinaw Senior Center in Mackinaw City, for appointments call (231) 347-3211.

• Les Cheneaux Community Library in Cedarville. Appointments may be made for Saturdays by calling 647-7362.

• St. James Lutheran Church in Rudyard. Appointments may be made for Mondays by calling 647- 7362.

• Garfield Township Hall in Engadine, Mondays through March 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Bayliss Public Library in Sault Ste. Marie, Fridays to April 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For appointments, call 647-7362.

Residents should bring their Social Security cards for all persons to be included on the return, W-2 from each employer, 1099s, Social Security information, all forms showing federal income tax paid, dependent care information, and checks and receipts for itemizing, information showing original cost of stocks and bonds sold, and last year’s return, if filed.

All AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are IRS-certified and many tax centers have e-filing capability. Where available, e-filing is free, as are the services of the AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and offer help with personal income tax returns.

Additional information is available toll free at (888) 227-7669.