Internal Revenue Service-certified Tax Aide volunteers of the South Coast, offering free tax counseling and return preparation, will be availabl through April 17. The AARP Foundation in partnership with the IRS administers the program.

In addition to tax return preparation, all sites will electronically file each return at no cost. E-filing of federal and state returns ensures greater accuracy and provides the maximum security for confidential taxpayer information. Processing is quick and federal and state tax refunds are expedited.

Those planning to visit a Tax Aide site are asked to bring photo identification; Social Security cards or ITINs for taxpayers and dependents; 2004 tax return (if lost, call (800) 829-1040 and ask for the 2004 AGI needed for processing); 2005 tax data including income statements; and expenses, if itemizing deductions.

Site locations and schedules through April 17 include:

€ Bandon - from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Bandon Senior Activity Center, 1200 S.W. 11th St.;

€ Brookings - by appointment only from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Chetco Senior Center, 550 Chetco Lane. To schedule an appointment, those interested can call (541) 469-6822;

€ Coos Bay - from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at Sterling Savings Bank, 150 S. Wall St.;

€ Coquille - from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at the Coquille Senior Center, 265 E. First St.;

€ Florence - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Thursday at the Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 Ninth St.;

€ Lakeside - from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the Lakeside Senior Center, 915 North Lake Road;

€ North Bend - from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday at the North Bend Senior Activity Center, 1470 Airport Lane; and from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, until April 12, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2250 16th St., in North Bend.

For more information or to arrange assistance for the home-bound, those interested can call RSVP in Coos Bay, 888-7332.