Volunteer Tax Assistance

Volunteer Tax Assistance is available from an IRS sponsored program this tax season. This community-based program is operated by volunteers who will assist with 2010 tax preparation. The top ten items the IRS wants taxpayers to understand about the IRS sponsored volunteer programs are:

  1. There is tax assistance available for taxpayers that are 60 years old or older.
  2. This program offers free preparation to individuals or families who earn $49,000 or less.
  3. Electronic filing is available at all volunteer sites
  4. The volunteers have been educated on topics such as the child tax credit, homestead tax credit, and the elderly tax credit.
  5. Several tax assistance sites have volunteers who can help people with English as a second language.
  6. Partnerships with community organizations make it possible for the IRS to offer more 12,000 tax preparation sites. All sites offer the services free.
  7. The AARP tax-aids do primarily assist people who are 60 and older, yet they are willing to assist any taxpayer with low-to-moderate incomes.
  8. The Armed Forces has a volunteer tax council that is trained to understand tax issues that are specific to military individuals and families. There are volunteers available for all branches of the military.
  9. City information hotlines, community organization, and the public libraries can provide information on the locations and dates for the volunteer tax assistance programs for 2010.
  10. Call the toll-free number for the IRS at 1-800-906-9887 if you are having trouble locating a volunteer tax assistance program near you. If you have internet access, you can gain information using the following web address:  www.IRS.gov. Visit AARP.org to find an AARP Tax-Aide location or call 1-888-227-7669 (888-AARPNOW).

It is wonderful when  community volunteers work together to help people prepare their tax forms. No one should feel alone or overwhelmed while preparing their 2010 taxes. The IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance, 2010 is available as a community based program.