News 12 at 6 O'Clock, February 4, 2010

AUGUSTA --- It's a frantic time of year.

"Most of us, when you talk about taxes and the government, we get a little apprehensive, a little nervous," said AARP Volunteer Levert Lane.

But those nerves are calmed by volunteers like Lane. He's doing tax prep for the third year. The AARP offers the free service to seniors and low to middle-income people.

It's happening at the Augusta-Richmond County Library from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays until April 15. No appointments are necessary.

"It's just a good a feeling to be able to help people that may not be able to pay a paid preparer to do their taxes correctly," Lane said.

Shameka Bacon is one of them. This is her first day in Augusta, and she's looking for a job. But after hearing about this service, this was one of her first stops. "I was kind of nervous," she said.

The AARP estimates they'll prepare about 500 tax returns this year. All for free.

In reality, the help is given to anyone making less than about $100,000 per year. They target people making below $50,000 per year.

If you're not sure if you qualify, you can be screened for free.

"If they're not running a business, come in and see us," Lane adds. "We can probably help them with their taxes."

It's a popular program, but jokes one volunteer, that doesn't mean the preparers are popular.

Some people disagree.

"Walk in the door, fill out a form, and they call your number and you just come on and they go and get the job done," said Charles Williams.