They say there's no escaping death and taxes.

While it may be true, some local people are willing to help Lawrence Countians prepare for the latter.

Again this year the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will help prepare tax returns and answer tax-related questions.

"Some people still think they must be AARP members or must be elderly to receive help," AARP member Ann Lemley said. "This is untrue.

It's for anybody who is low-to-middle- income and that gets just about everybody."

Beginning Wednesday, AARP will open two offices to accommodate those who need help.

A tax clinic will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the VFW Post #6878 in Proctorville each Wednesday through April 9. The VFW is located on State Route 7 next to the Lawrence Federal Savings Bank.

Another tax clinic will be offered at the Southern Branch Library in South Point from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each Friday through April 11.

A special site will also be open Feb. 1 and Feb. 8

at the Eastern Branch Library, 410 Elizabeth Ave., Proctorville. Tax help will be available both days from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Those who want help with their tax returns should bring a copy of their 2001 tax returns; social security cards for everyone, including dependents; W-2 and W-2P forms from each employer; unemployment compensation forms; SSA-1099 and RRB-1099 forms (if they were paid social security benefits and/or railroad retirement benefits); all forms indicating federal and state income tax withheld or paid; records to prove payment of estimated income tax paid; child care providers statements; all receipts and canceled checks if itemizing deductions.

Lemley said last year more than 1,700 people took advantage of the free tax help.