Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service are on hand at sites throughout the region to help with tax forms.

The IRS trains groups of volunteers to prepare basic tax returns for free, said IRS Territory Manager Lynn Locke. The volunteers set up sites within their communities to help people with low to moderate incomes, older individuals, those with disabilities, or non-English speaking taxpayers with tax-return preparations, she said.

Volunteers are trained in basic tax law and are familiar with the qualifications for tax credits such as the earned-income tax credit and the child tax credit.

The new limits for earned income or adjusted gross income are less than $33,692 with more than one qualifying child; less than $29,666 with one qualifying child and less than $11,230 with no qualifying child. All EITC income limits are $1,000 higher if taxpayers file jointly as a married couple. For tax year 2003, the credit can be as much as $4,204.

Taxpayers who plan to visit a site must bring their 2003 tax package, W-2 statements, Form 1099 bank interest and dividend statements, and a copy of last year’s 2002 tax return. Accurate Social Security numbers are also required for anyone listed on the tax return – the taxpayer, spouse and any dependents being claimed.

In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, many sites also offer free electronic filing. Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster when they take advantage of direct deposit of the refund. A faster refund is not the only advantage of using e-file. Electronically filed returns are more accurate, and e-filers receive an acknowledgment from the IRS that the return has been received.

Tax volunteers can be found at convenient neighborhood sites such as libraries, senior centers, town halls and college campuses. For the volunteer site near you, contact the IRS toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040, available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout the filing season.