By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
With tax season in full swing, elderly tax filers have a group of people ready to assist.
Although the free service is primarily for those taxpayers over 65, low-income families and disabled individuals can benefit from the assistance.
A large group of volunteers give of their time to offer this assistance. Cooley said the volunteers are made aware of updated tax laws and the proper procedures in filing a return. The returns are prepared and filed electronically on behalf of the taxpayer at no charge.
Taxpayers who wish to use the assistance offered by the RSVP personnel must provide the information needed to complete the income tax return.
A lot of questions volunteers ask taxpayers during the filing process can be answered by gathering important papers and having them available when they arrive at the assistance site.
With the training and continuous updating volunteers receive, all avenues are explored to get the taxpayer the most possible on their return.
The sites are already busy this year, with an expected increase in those seeking assistance this year Cooley said.
Brewton and Flomaton have sites available for assistance. The Brewton assistance center is located at the Brewton Public Library and operates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The Flomaton assistance center is located at the Flomaton United Methodist Church on Palafox Street. Hours of operation in Flomaton are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
To make an appointment for assistance at either location, taxpayers are urged to call the RSVP office at 867-0256. Both sites will be open for assistance until Tuesday, April 17, the final day to file taxes for the 2006 tax year.