IRS seeks volunteers for tax assistance to needy

The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

During the tax filing season, VITA and TCE volunteers, in community locations throughout the state, help fill out tax returns for older taxpayers, people with disabilities, non-English speaking residents, and other people who cannot afford professional assistance. Some of the volunteer groups even offer free electronic tax filing.

The IRS provides VITA and TCE volunteers with free instruction and all the materials needed to prepare basic income tax returns such as Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040. Training for volunteers is generally held at convenient locations.

Volunteers are members of professional organizations, college students, law and accounting students, homemakers, or members of volunteer or community organizations. Although an accounting background is helpful, it is not required, but basic computer skills are a plus.

Volunteers are also needed to help in other aspects of the VITA and TCE programs such as organizing sites, instructing classes, reviewing returns prepared at the sites, and publicity.

Local civic and fraternal organizations, educational institutions, churches and social groups can also sponsor VITA and TCE programs. Tax assistance generally is provided at schools, churches, malls, libraries and other neighborhood locations.

For more information, contact Patricia Davis, IRS New Jersey VITA/TCE coordinator, at (973) 645-3969; fax to (973) 645-6691; or e-mail patricia.a.davis2@irs.gov.