Free tax return help available

Edward A. Rath III, Erie County legislator, 15th District, said there is help from several entities for filing 2007 income tax returns.

The programs are as follows:

• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers help to singles and families with an income of $40,000 or less. There are numerous locations around Erie County.

• Tax Counseling for the Elderly is sponsored by the AARP and headed up by volunteers. They provide assistance to residents 60 years and older

• The Free File Alliance helps taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of less than $54,000. They can be contacted at www.irs.gov or at www.freefilealliance.org

"This is a great aid to help folks who cannot afford paid assistance," Rath said. "Many people are concerned about not understanding the forms or making a mistake."

For information on locations or additional questions, e-mail Rath at rathe@erie.gov or call his dis- trict office at 633-0617.