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The deadline for filing federal income tax returns is nine months away, but the AARP Tax Aide program is looking now for volunteers to help the elderly and needy fill out the proper forms. Every year, the AARP helps elderly, disabled and low- to middle-income people with their income tax returns, said Jesús Villalobos, who has been coordinating the program for the past two years. The service is free. "The weeklong training sessions are conducted by Internal Revenue Service personnel or highly experienced AARP volunteers," Villalobos said. "The volunteers learn a lot about income tax and receive a great deal of satisfaction from helping others." Ricardo Soto, territorial manager for the El Paso office of the IRS, said the volunteers perform an important function. Last year, with the help of AARP and other partners, the organizations were able to help about 7,000 individuals of limited English-speaking ability or low-income individuals to fill out their forms and receive the earned income tax credit and child tax credit. Without these volunteers, it would have been hard to assist that many, he said. "The training is thorough," he said. "All volunteers must pass a test." Soto said another service of the volunteer organizations is their filing of income tax returns electronically, which enables the taxpayer to received refunds more quickly. "We're looking now for volunteers to take the training, which will be during the first week in January," Villalobos said. Villalobos said he hopes to have 80 volunteers ready for training by December. Persons interested in volunteering are asked to contact Villalobos at 10441 Seawood Drive, call 598-1444 or e-mail at lobosv@elp.rr.com.
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