LEWISTON — The Lewiston Internal Revenue Service office at 217 Main St. will be one of 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide to open its doors Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, IRS staff will provide assistance for taxpayers dealing with difficult economic times.

“There are many tax credits and deductions that may help individuals struggling in tough economic times to save money on their taxes this year,” said Peggy Riley, IRS spokesperson for Maine. “For example, this year many people will qualify for EITC for the first time because their incomes declined, their marital status changed or because of credit expansions to help people as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under the act, taxpayers with three or more children get an extra boost with a larger credit this year,” she said.

IRS employees in Lewiston will answer questions for taxpayers on the full range of tax law provisions such as the new allowance for $2,400 of tax-free unemployment compensation benefits. Free tax preparation and electronic filing for individuals who earn $49,000 or less will be available. Most tax forms are available in the TAC, although downloadable copies of tax forms on IRS.gov can save taxpayers a trip if all they require are tax forms.

Taxpayers seeking help with tax preparation should bring: photo identification (for each spouse, if applicable); Social Security cards for each person listed on the tax return; tax booklets; all wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2); interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099); copies of last year’s tax returns; bank information for direct debit or deposit if desired; and any other information concerning income and expenses for tax year 2009.

Residents of the Lewiston area who will not be able to pay their full tax liability by the April 15, 2010, deadline and need to ask for an installment plan may receive assistance from IRS employees in arranging appropriate payment schedules. Individual taxpayers will also be able to get assistance with existing issues such as levies on wages or bank accounts, bills and notices and collection letters.

In addition to IRS help, there are more than 12,000 free tax preparation sites nationwide that are run by community organizations partnering with the IRS. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs assist people who earned $49,000 or less and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs assist individuals 60 and older with their 2009 income tax return preparation and electronic filing. Many of these sites have Saturday hours while others offer assistance at various times during the week. To locate the partner site nearest you dial 211, United Way’s information line, or call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887.

Assistance in Spanish will be available by telephone in all locations. However, in Lewiston face-to-face assistance in Spanish is not expected to be available.