IRS looking for local volunteers

IRS looking for local volunteers

Agency partnering with United Way to recruit, train tax preparers to help low- income taxpayers file

ralphhardin@gmail.com “Do you want to help people escape poverty so they can live the life of their dreams?”

That’s the question the IRS and the United Way are asking as they seek volunteer tax preparers ahead of the 2017 Income Tax filing season. United Way’s Free Tax Prep effort is a key program in their “Driving the Dream” program aimed at helping low-income families maximize their tax returns at no cost to them.

When a qualifying person has help to claim tax credits, can receive information about financial management and has the opportunity to file electronically, it averages out to a 20 percent higher return. That money, proponents of the volunteer program say, can be used for paying bills, restoring utilities, car repairs or even a down payment on a home.

To that end, there is a Volunteer Orientation for those looking to become fullytrained tax preparers set for Thursday, Nov. 30. The training will take place at the West Memphis Public Library, 213 N. Avalon, in West Memphis, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

At the seminar, volunteers will learn how to be a part of the “Driving the Dream” effort and how, with comprehensive training from the IRS, tax preparers can make a big difference in the community.

For more information about the program, contact Janet Haas at (901) 4334333.

By Ralph Hardin