FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Beth Boustead, Public Information Specialist, 701.328.3039
Thursday, March 17, 2011

Fong Promotes Free Tax Help

BISMARCK, N.D. – Tax Commissioner Cory Fong is encouraging taxpayers to use the free income tax preparation and filing help provided by local Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.

“The sites are staffed by highly trained volunteers,” said Fong, “who are knowledgeable about the different federal and state forms, credits, and other deductions that taxpayers might otherwise miss.”

The IRS, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and various other organizations partner together to provide free tax assistance, including return preparation and filing services, for qualified taxpayers. The tax help sites are staffed by volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS. The volunteers who provide tax counseling and preparation of income tax returns are usually retired individuals, accountants and other professionals. The volunteers are familiar with the tax laws and regulations in place and they receive additional training every year.

“Tax time can be a stressful time for some people,” said Fong. “These sites are a great resource for local communities by offering to help taxpayers at no charge.” The sites are located in various community centers, public libraries, and other public locations.

The IRS and the AARP sponsor the program. The TCE sites provide free services for people aged 60 and older as well as the low-to-moderate income individuals. The free Tax-Aide counseling programs are located at 13 sites in North Dakota.

The IRS also sponsors the VITA program, which offers free tax help for taxpayers whose income is $49,000 or less. The program is available to qualified individuals who file basic tax returns. There are 16 VITA sites in different communities in North Dakota.

For more information about the North Dakota VITA and TCE programs or for a listing of sites, visit the Tax Department’s web site at www.nd.gov/tax. Or follow the Tax Department on Facebook.

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