Tax prep volunteers sought

INDIANAPOLIS -- Last year, more than 76,000 Americans gave something to their communities and can't wait to do it again this year.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, what they gave was their time.

"The IRS and its partners are looking for volunteers to spend a little time learning about taxes and sharing that knowledge with others to help prepare their federal and state tax returns," said Jodie Reynolds, IRS spokesperson. "The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program volunteers prepare simple federal and state tax returns for people whose incomes are $49,000 or less.

Anyone can volunteer. If you are interested and want to help, we can find a way to involve you in this program."

The IRS provides free tax law training and all the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Training classes generally start in December and January and are held at convenient locations throughout the state.

You also have the option of completing your tax training and certification online, 24-7, through IRS E-Learning, Link & Learn Taxes, available at IRS.gov.

Volunteer opportunities are available from the week of Feb. 1 through April 15, 2011. To volunteer and attend one of the training classes, please contact the IRS at (317) 685-7847, fax (317) 685-7775, or e-mail aarp.vita.volunteer.recruitment@irs.gov.