With help from the AARP, hundreds of local folks are saving time and money when filing their tax returns this season.

Multiple Hall County libraries and AARP volunteers are providing state and federal tax return assistance to senior citizens and low- to moderate-income taxpayers through April 15.

Anyone older than 55 years old or anyone who makes less than $50,000 a year is eligible to participate in the IRS-sponsored program.

Tom Fox, a local coordinator for the AARP Tax Aide Program, said the Blackshear Place, East Hall and Murrayville library branches and the Gainesville-Hall County Senior Center are holding the program in Hall County.

Fox said taxpayers interested in the program may call the libraries or senior center to make an appointment. He said appointments allow each taxpayer an hour of tax assistance. He said the free services provided would typically cost about $100 at a tax return preparation company.

Fox said the assistance program makes the chore a little less painful.

"When they leave us, 95 percent or more are ready to put their stamp on it and mail it," Fox said of program participants.

Those interested in e-filing can get help doing so at the Blackshear Place and Murrayville library locations, according to the AARP Web site.

Taxpayers must bring to their appointment photo identification, Social Security cards for all persons listed on the tax return, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, Social Security statements, any other pertinent tax documents and a copy of last year’s return. And this year, any state or local real estate taxes paid in 2008 are deductible whether or not you itemize, so bring any pertinent real estate information.

The AARP Web site also features a list of frequently asked tax questions and a location finder for the closest place offering the free service near you.