REGION : Volunteers to Offer Free Tax Assistance

Free help for low-income, elderly and non-English-speaking taxpayers is available through a network of volunteers throughout the Southeast area.

Volunteers help with the preparation of federal and state income tax returns and renter’s credit forms. They attended training classes in January through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, both federally funded.

Assistance is available on a walk-in basis at most locations through April 15. Tax help can be found at the following locations:

* Commerce City Hall-North Annex, 5550 Harbor St., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only; most slots are already booked. Information: (213) 887-4460.

* Huntington Park’s Bonelli Center, 6925 Salt Lake Ave., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Information: (213) 589-7100.

* Huntington Park Library, 6518 Miles Ave., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; information: (213) 583-1461.

* South Gate Park Auditorium, 4900 Southern Ave., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., (213) 563-5443.

Taxpayers having trouble with back taxes or with payment arrangements can get help through the office of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Los Angeles) at (213) 628-9230.