NASHUA, NH (October 20, 2009) - The Greater Nashua Asset Building Coalition (GNABC) is offering free income tax preparation training to individuals who volunteer to assist low-to-moderate income area residents with their federal returns during the upcoming tax season.

Volunteers will receive IRS-certified tax preparation software training through a self-paced online class (approximately 30 hours). In exchange, volunteers commit to assist taxpayers for two to four hours most weeks between January and April 2010, at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in Greater Nashua.

Volunteers who complete the training will assist filers with preparing their 2009 federal income tax returns and help determine whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  Free tax returns prepared by coalition volunteers for tax year 2008 brought more than $2.2 million in refunds back to Nashua residents and yielded $440,000 in EITC claimed on 1,800 returns. Returns can be filed electronically at the tax preparation sites, which speeds refunds.

“Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is a great way to gain valuable experience, help families save money, and benefit our entire community,” said GNABC Coordinator Ray Peterson, vice president of United Way of Greater Nashua.  Greeters and support staff also are needed, he said.

For more information or to sign up, contact Peterson at 603-882-4011, or ray@unitedwaynashua.org.

GNABC members include AARP Tax-Aide Program, Triangle Credit Union, United Way of Greater Nashua, the Internal Revenue Service, City of Nashua, Nashua Pastoral Care Center, University of NH Cooperative Extension, Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter, Harbor Homes, Linkabilities, Adult Learning Center, NH Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services, YMCA of Greater Nashua, and Southern NH Services.

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