The Internal Revenue Service in partnership with Reno-based Building Assets through Financial Literacy and Education (BAFLE) coalition is looking for volunteers to assist in preparing tax returns for low-income persons next year at various sponsored sites throughout northern Nevada. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

All volunteers receive tax training in cooperation with BAFLE and the IRS. Individuals with good computer skills are especially needed to assist in transmitting returns electronically through the IRS E-file program.

Training generally begins in late December or early January. Volunteers can help in three separate capacities:

• Return preparer — A return preparer will actually prepare tax returns. Training is provided.

• Site coordinator — Coordinates and supervises all aspects of a free tax site. They also act as site manager and may also prepare returns.

• Greeter — Someone to greet taxpayers, answer questions and provide forms.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program sites are generally open from the first week in February through April 15, 2010. Days and hours of operation will be different from site to site and the time commitment will also vary, but most volunteers spend only four to eight hours a week at a site.

Tax preparation volunteers completed more than 5,800 tax returns last year at sites located throughout northern Nevada.

For more information and how to volunteer locally, contact Teresa Adams at (702) 868-5038 or Teresa.b.Adams@irs.gov. People can also contact Kevin Quint at Join Together Northern Nevada at 324-7557 or kquint@jtnn.org. IRS information, including more on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can be found at www.irs.gov.