03/03/2009

News / Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Need help filing your tax return? If so, then you should look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation programs.

Trained community volunteers can help eligible taxpayers with all special credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for the Elderly. Also, many sites have language specialists to assist people with limited English skills.

Nearly 12,000 free tax preparation sites will be open nationwide this year as the Internal Revenue Service continues to expand its partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations performing vital tax preparation services for low-income and elderly taxpayers.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax help to people who earn less than $42,000. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offers free tax help to taxpayers who are 60 and older.

As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at nearly 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-moderate income with special attention to people age 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW) or visit AARP's internet site.

The military also partners with the IRS to provide free tax assistance to military personnel and their families. The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of the tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Volunteers are trained and equipped to address military specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new EITC guidelines.

Locations and hours of operation are often available through city information hotlines and local community organizations. Local volunteer tax preparation site information is also available by calling the IRS toll-free number 1-800-906-9887.

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