Understanding new changes to deductions, claims, dependents and tax laws can make filing taxes worrisome for some people this time of year. Through Lone Star College-Kingwood’s Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL), the AARP Tax-Aide Program will help individuals prepare and electronically file their federal income tax returns at two locations beginning in February. Services are available on a first-come, first-served basis and appointments are not accepted:

• Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at LSC-Kingwood, EMCID Building, 21575 Highway 59 North in New Caney. Phone: 281.312.1750 (Closed March 9-14 for spring break)
• Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LSC-Atascocita Center, 15903 W. Lake Houston Pkwy in Atascocita.

Phone: 832-775-0816 (Closed March 9-14 for spring break)

The nation’s largest and free volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service is open to everyone regardless of their age or income. Clients are asked to bring their 2014 tax documents, last year returns, social security card, and a blank check for refunds to be deposited directly into their bank account for a faster refund.

Volunteers are trained using IRS and AARP developed materials and must pass a comprehensive test with 80 percent correct in three categories: basic, intermediate and advanced tax scenarios.

“LSC-Kingwood has offered this free service for the past six years because many area residents do not have the money to have someone help them with their taxes,” said Pat Chandler, Academy for Lifelong Learning program manager. “This is a really good service for anyone who needs help with their taxes.”

The AARP Foundation supports the AARP TaxAide program with free tax assistance from the IRS. TaxAide began in 1968 and is the largest volunteer-based tax preparation service in the country. The purpose is to assist taxpayers, primarily seniors, complete their tax returns. The program does not require AARP membership and it's open to all taxpayers.

The college’s ALL program began in February 2004 and since then, the program has grown to more than 900 active members. ALL courses are now offered at the LSC-Atascocita Center.  Annual membership is $20 from Sept. 1-Aug. 31 and members can take classes at both locations. All courses offered are free and taught by volunteers; there are no educational requirements.

For more information, call 283-312-1750 or visit http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/.

Register now for credit classes online through myLoneStar.  Classes are offered days, evenings, weekends or online. For more information on how to register online, visit LoneStar.edu/registration. For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281.312.1600 or visit LoneStar.edu/Kingwood.

Lone Star College has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSC remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.