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Community Groups are Seeking Tax Volunteers
Area Community groups are seeking new volunteers to provide free tax assistance to some of our "seasoned" taxpayers, people with disabilities, non- English speaking and other taxpayers who cannot afford professional tax preparation assistance.
During the tax-filing season, many Community groups and volunteers throughout Upstate New York partner with the Internal Revenue Service through the Volunteer Return Preparation Program.
"This is a great opportunity to get training in income tax preparation and to help your community at the same time," said Dietra D. Grant, IRS Territory Manager.
"The Volunteer Program provides those taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - an important refundable credit - a way to have their tax returns prepared free of charge."
"There are millions of dollars that do not come into the community each year in the form of EITC dollars because eligible individuals do not file a tax return or do not claim the credit. You could help bring some of this money to those in need, possibly $6,000." Grant said.
The volunteer groups offer free electronic tax filing. The IRS and its partners provide volunteers with free instruction and all the materials needed to prepare and electronically file basic income tax returns such as Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and simple 1040's. Training is held during the months of December and January at convenient locations.
Individual volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the Volunteer Program. In addition to preparing tax returns, volunteers are needed to organize sites, instruct classes, review returns prepared, greet customers, provide publicity and perform clerical duties.
Local civic and fraternal organizations, educational institutions, churches and social groups are invited to participate in the Volunteer Program by providing individual volunteers. Volunteers young and old are welcome. Tax assistance generally is provided at schools, churches, malls, libraries, community centers and other convenient neighborhood locations.
"Last year, the Upstate New York volunteers prepared nearly 85,000 returns. We need your help to have an even greater impact this upcoming filing season," Grant said.
For more information, contact the IRS Volunteer Program Coordinator by December 31, 2007. You may contact IRS by phone at (518) 427-4246 or by e-mail at spec.albany@irs.gov.
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