AARP plans to offer free tax-counseling and preparation of 2012 tax returns to residents of Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens.

The all-day service will be offered every Tuesday at the Miami Springs Senior Center, located at 343 Payne Dr., starting in February and running until April 9.

Once you make an appointment, AARP asks that you bring along the following documents:

• last year’s tax return;

• identification;

• W-2s;

• 1099s;

• interest and dividend forms;

• receipts for medical expenses, mortgage interest, property taxes and contributions;

• and all other tax-related data.

The participating AARP officials are IRS-trained, certified tax-aide counselors that have assisted local residents since 1988. They are familiar with federal tax provisions for pensions, elderly and disabled credits, intangible taxes, as well as other tax matters.

“It is a great opportunity for all of our residents to get their tax returns prepared by professionals,” Miami Springs Mayor Zavier Garcia said. “I thank the AARP for their help.”

In 2010, 35,000 volunteers helped their clients receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds, and $233 million in earned income tax credits, according to the AARP. The foundation’s tax aide is offered in cooperation with the IRS.