Volunteers have been working diligently over recent weeks to become familiar with the latest tax laws and filing procedures to help local residents prepare their 2017 federal and state returns. More than 30 people are giving their time to assist with free in-person tax preparation service organized by the AARP Foundation.

The AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program offers free tax preparation to anyone of any age, with special emphasis on those aged 50 or over or who can’t afford paid tax preparation.

Tax assistance for Middle Peninsula residents will begin in February and will be available in Gloucester, Mathews, Gloucester Point, Saluda/Urbanna and Deltaville, according to AARP Tax Aide spokesperson Mary Warren.

This year, the organization will have tax counselors available at the following locations:

—In Gloucester, counselors will be available at the Gloucester Library (Main Street Center) from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Mondays from Feb. 6 through April 10 (except...