Federal income taxes aren't due for five-and-a-half months but some people are getting ready. A non-profit group is looking for volunteers to help low and moderate-income people deal with the IRS.
The National Society of Accountants said the average price to have taxes prepared by a firm is $165, but what if you could get it done for free?
Mike Pleszkoch said having someone, who's trained in tax law do his taxes free of charge would be a big plus. "I am retired military 23 years active duty and my pension is taxed and Social Security is not, but as I said, if you know the law that's it," said Pleszkoch.
The free tax preparation service is offered by a non-profit group called Schuylkill Community Action. Patty Burke said the free service is offered to low and moderate-income people.
"Most people are thrilled to determine how much money they're going to get money back rather than paying for it to be done and it's all a free service. I have gotten hugs, I've gotten blessed and different things. It's just a good feeling," Burke said.
Officials at Schuylkill Community Action believe they will have more of a demand for the free income tax preparations. They are looking for more volunteers.
Stu Anthony, who runs the program, said, "Last year I had 11 volunteers that came in. The 11 volunteers gave me 346.5 hours of volunteer time last year we had more need than I could give time to people."
Anthony explained every volunteer one goes through a tax preparation course offered by the IRS.
"With the economy being so down, people are calling already asking when it's going to be open and our sites, there is a need. The people that know about it are spreading the word and if I don't get the volunteers, I am not going to be able to serve the people who need it so desperately," Anthony added.
If you want to volunteer as a tax preparer or want to determine if you're eligible for the free service, call 570-622-1995.
The National Society of Accountants said the average price to have taxes prepared by a firm is $165, but what if you could get it done for free?
Mike Pleszkoch said having someone, who's trained in tax law do his taxes free of charge would be a big plus. "I am retired military 23 years active duty and my pension is taxed and Social Security is not, but as I said, if you know the law that's it," said Pleszkoch.
The free tax preparation service is offered by a non-profit group called Schuylkill Community Action. Patty Burke said the free service is offered to low and moderate-income people.
"Most people are thrilled to determine how much money they're going to get money back rather than paying for it to be done and it's all a free service. I have gotten hugs, I've gotten blessed and different things. It's just a good feeling," Burke said.
Officials at Schuylkill Community Action believe they will have more of a demand for the free income tax preparations. They are looking for more volunteers.
Stu Anthony, who runs the program, said, "Last year I had 11 volunteers that came in. The 11 volunteers gave me 346.5 hours of volunteer time last year we had more need than I could give time to people."
Anthony explained every volunteer one goes through a tax preparation course offered by the IRS.
"With the economy being so down, people are calling already asking when it's going to be open and our sites, there is a need. The people that know about it are spreading the word and if I don't get the volunteers, I am not going to be able to serve the people who need it so desperately," Anthony added.
If you want to volunteer as a tax preparer or want to determine if you're eligible for the free service, call 570-622-1995.
