Tax-preparation volunteers sought

The downtown business branch of the Carson City Library seeks volunteer tax-preparation people for next year’s tax-preparation season, and training will be offered between now and then.

The library’s business branch is at the Business Innovation Resource Center, 108 E. Proctor St., which is where the program is being coordinated and the tax preparing will be done free for low- to moderate-income families in Northern Nevada that are unable to do their own returns. The BRIC also has handled the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at that site in the past.

Experience preparing returns isn’t necessary, according to BRIC manager Michael Salogga, a business counselor with the city’s community-development office.

“Choice of online, self study and hands-on training is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service,” Salogga said, and prospective volunteers may choose orientation at the BRIC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 or 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 4.

On Jan. 11, the hands-on training and certification of the volunteers will be offered from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For information or to volunteer, 775-283-7122.

Those involved in the VITA program helped ensure distribution of the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to those taxpayers who qualified in the past.

“Last year,” according to Salogga’s news release, “the VITA program brought almost $4 million to families in Reno, Sparks and Carson City.”