AUGUSTA — The Internal Revenue Service and AARP Foundation are looking to train volunteers to help others with tax return preparation.

The two organizations sponsor the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Tax Aide programs, which provide free tax return preparation assistance to people who qualify. Groups include seniors, persons with disabilities, low-to-moderate income individuals and families, and people with limited English proficiency.

The goal is to educate taxpayers about the many credits and deductions that may help increase their refunds, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Volunteers need no previous experience, but should have a desire to help people and have an interest in income taxes or a financial background.

The IRS provides free tax law training, electronic filing software training and all the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Volunteers are asked to volunteer for a minimum of five shifts (four hours per shift) from mid-January through April 15.

For more information about volunteer opportunities visit www.cashmaine.org or www.aarp.org/taxaide or call Joan Jagolinzer at 207-883-8415.