Projo Biz Blog

The Internal Revenue Service seeks volunteers to help prepare federal income tax returns in Rhode Island through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA provides free return preparation help to people who can't afford to hire a professional. "These volunteers help individuals complete their returns, right down to any refund that may be due them," said Meg Chevalier, IRS tax consultant. "Anyone can volunteer. If you have a skill and want to help, we can find a way to involve you in this program."

The IRS provides free training in federal tax law and electronic filing software, and also supplies the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. The agency seeks people who can volunteer an average of two to four hours a week from February through April 15.

The IRS has scheduled two training sessions: One class will be held twice a week, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, for three weeks starting on Jan. 13th; the second class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, for three weeks, starting Jan. 10.

If you have questions or would like to register for a class, call Chevalier at (401) 528-1856, or Holly Longley at (401) 528-1881.

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