Free tax help for seniors available

Seniors 60 and older can receive free, confidential assistance with tax preparation at the Amherst Center for Senior Services through April 13. Volunteers trained by the AARP and the IRS will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday.

Tax preparation will be done by appointment only. E-filing of returns may also be done at the Senior Center. Call 636-3059 to make an appointment.

The center recommends that returns be prepared well in advance of the April 15 tax deadline.

Participants must bring their 2006 tax packets, 2006 tax returns and other necessary documents, such as W-2 and 1099 forms.

Volunteers recruited through the Senior Center are also providing free tax assistance at all Amherst libraries on a walk-in basis for those of all ages.

Approximately 50 volunteers, mostly retirees from finance, accounting and other business careers, are offering this service. Last year these IRS-certified volunteers assisted several hundred taxpayers.

The Senior Center is located at 370 John James Audubon Parkway in Amherst.