Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services? In addition to tax preparation, many also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free tax help to people whose incomes are $38,000 or less. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.
• Tax Counseling for the Elderly provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
• AARP Tax-Aide counseling, part of the IRS-Sponsored TCE Program, operates nearly 9,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors can help people of low-to-moderate income with special attention to those aged 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP's Web site at www.aarp.org

Filing your taxes can be easy and free. Take advantage of a volunteer assistance program in your area to receive free income tax preparation assistance. To obtain the location, dates and hours of the site closest to you call 1-800-829-1040.