IRS seeks community volunteers in New Jersey

SUSSEX COUNTY n The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers from Sussex County and throughout New Jersey for the Volunteer Return Preparation Programs (VRPP). The volunteers help fill out tax returns for older taxpayers, people with disabilities, non-English speaking, and other people who cannot afford professional assistance during the tax-filing season. Many of the volunteer groups offer free electronic tax filing. The IRS provides VRPP volunteers with free instruction and all materials needed to prepare basic income tax returns such as Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040. "These are great programs that help citizens meet their tax-filing obligations," said IRS spokesperson Gregg Semanick. "In New Jersey during the last tax filing season, VRPP volunteers assisted over 23,500 taxpayers at 400 volunteer sites in communities across the state." Volunteers include members of professional organizations, college students, law and accounting students, homemakers or members of volunteer or community organizations. Although an accounting background is helpful, it is not required, but basic computer skills are a plus. Volunteers are also needed to help in other aspects of the VRPP, such as organizing sites, instructing classes, reviewing returns prepared at the sites and publicity. Local civic and fraternal organizations, educational institutions, churches and social groups can also sponsor VRPP sites. Tax assistance generally is provided at schools, churches, malls, libraries and other convenient neighborhood locations. Training for volunteers is held at convenient locations or online. For more information call Judi Kuzma, IRS New Jersey VRPP coordinator, at 973-645-3749, or send a FAX to 973-645-6691 or e-mail to judith.kuzma@irs.gov.