SAN DIEGO – The Internal Revenue Service in partnership with Veterans Assistance of San Diego is looking for volunteers to assist in preparing tax returns next year at various sponsored sites throughout North San Diego County. Adult volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

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

"Our primary focus is to assist military and veterans with their tax returns," said Director of Veterans Assistance of San Diego, Bernard Gabriel. "This is a great opportunity for military/veterans in the local community to get free tax training which will enable them to give valuable assistance to other military/veterans."

Training takes place in December and early January and volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain volunteer certification. The Link & Learn Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] program is an interactive course that teaches the steps needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns accurately. Classroom training is also available. Certified volunteers generally spend four to eight hours per week from early February through mid-April.

Volunteers last year helped 78,551 Southern California taxpayers receive over $27 million from the Earned Income Tax Credit last year. More than $93 million in total refunds were distributed.

Volunteers can help in three separate capacities:

Return preparer – A return preparer will actually prepare tax returns.

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.

Those interested are encouraged to call Marinea Goodson of the Veterans Assistance of San Diego at (760) 489-6380, Ext. 254. Complete information on the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Volunteer-in-Your-Community.