As tax day approaches, the AARP gets swamped with requests for help with filing income taxes.

The tax service is free of charge to anyone who needs it, according to Bill Tucker, who coordinates tax assistance for the public in central Illinois, although it generally touts itself as a service for seniors and those in the lower-income group. Those who have more complicated returns may have to seek professional help, Tucker said.

But that doesn’t mean the AARP volunteers are unschooled in the service they offer. Volunteers have to go through a one-week Internal Revenue Service training at the beginning of the year to familiarize themselves with the changes that have taken place in the law over the previous year and pass three tests before they can do the job, Tucker said.

On average, the local army of AARP volunteers that Tucker heads up serves about 3,000 people during the tax season at various locations.

Tucker says before setting out, people should be prepared with all the necessary papers and documents that have to be produced so the tax preparer can do the job. One of the most common pieces of information many forget to bring is the Social Security number of every person listed in the forms.

Those who prepare taxes have noted there appear to be two kinds of tax seasons.

“Those who are expecting a refund will file early, and those who know they have to pay will hold off filing until the end,” Tucker said. “The first three weeks are the busiest and then it trails off and the last three weeks become hectic again.”

Most people are appreciative of the services offered by the volunteers, Tucker said, recalling one older woman who used to bring cake or pie each year to show her appreciation.

Other clients have been just as pleased.

William Larson, of Peoria, Ill., is a returning client.

“Last year was the first time I did this,” Larson said. “They definitely know what they’re doing.”

Another couple who used to get their taxes filed by a certified public accountant are now pleased to avail themselves of the AARP members’ service.

“They’re very courteous, helpful and knowledgeable,” Virgil Reinders said.

And one client who did not want to be identified said the volunteers are helpful and pleasant.

“I used to take my mother down to the IRS office, and they’re not near as nice over there,” she said.

She added, however, that the AARP volunteers didn’t appear to be as knowledgeable about the tax laws as she would have liked.

To locate an AARP chapter near you, go online to www.aarp.org and click on “AARP Chapter Locator,” or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (687-2277).