IRS seeks volunteers in Cleveland, Tenn., area to help prepare income tax returns

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- The Internal Revenue Service is asking larger employers in the Cleveland area to consider hosting Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in 2012.

VITA volunteers provide free federal income tax return preparation assistance. Households earning less than $50,000 a year are eligible for the service.

Assistant City Manager Melinda Carroll said VITA services will be provided as usual at the city community centers and other locations.

"This is just another way they are looking at expanding the service," Carroll said.

The continuing service is provided through the office of City Manager Janice Casteel.

The VITA program is operated by local volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS, to provide the same services that a paid preparer would offer.

"The volunteers would go to the business sites on prearranged days and prepare returns," according to William Pykosh, IRS Nashville territory manager.

The city offers VITA services at the Northeast Recreation Center and the South Cleveland Community Center. In addition, Lee University's senior business students traditionally volunteer.

A schedule of days and times will be announced at the start of the 2012 federal income tax season, officials said.