Free Tax Filing Help Offered to Low-Income Residents

Free tax preparation assistance is available for low-income families and individuals as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Trained students and volunteers will work alongside program supervisors who are familiar with new tax laws. At some sites, IRS agents will review tax forms before they are returned to the client.

The service is available to low-income individuals and families whose incomes were under $40,000 for 1998. Specialized services are available for senior citizens, non-English-speaking and disabled persons.

Taxpayers are asked to bring a copy of last year’s tax returns, W-2 forms, the tax booklet they received in the mail, interest dividend statements, records for deductions, receipts and a voided check for electronic filing.

The service is limited to the 1040, 1040A and 1040 EZ federal and 540A and 540 EZ state forms. Volunteers do not prepare estimated taxes, business-related forms or nonresident returns.

Tax preparation is on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise noted. The service will be offered at the following locations:

* Office of City Councilwoman Laura Chick, 19040 Vanowen St., Reseda: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 15; 9 a.m. to noon, by appointment only; (818) 756-8217. Also, Tuesdays, Feb. 16 through April 13, except March 30; 6 to 9 p.m.

* Organization for the Needs of the Elderly, 18255 Victory Blvd., Reseda: Tuesdays and Fridays, through April 13; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only; (818) 705-2345.

* Granada Hills Branch Library, 10640 Petit Ave.: Tuesdays, Feb. 16 through April 13, except March 30; 4:45 to 7:45 p.m.

* Mid-Valley Regional Library, 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills: Tuesdays, Feb. 16 through April 13, except March 30; 4:45 to 7:45 p.m.

* Sylmar Branch Library, 13059 Glenoaks Blvd.: Wednesdays, Feb. 17 through April 14, except March 31; 4:45 to 7:45 p.m.

* Cal State Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Room BB: Wednesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 17 through April 15, except March 31; 5 to 8 p.m.

* Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Business Building Room 3218, Woodland Hills: Wednesdays and Saturdays, through April 12; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

* North Hollywood Regional Park, 11430 Chandler Blvd.: Thursdays, Feb. 18 through April 15, except April 1; 4 to 7 p.m.

* Van Nuys Federal Building, 6230 Van Nuys Blvd., Room IS14: Fridays, Feb. 12 through April 9, except April 2; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

* St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 14646 Sherman Way, Van Nuys: Fridays, Feb. 12 through April 9, except April 2; 3 to 6 p.m.

* Santa Rosa Center, 511 Kalisher St., San Fernando: Saturdays, through April 10, except March 27 and April 3; 9 a.m. to noon.

* United Methodist Church of Northridge, 9650 Reseda Blvd.: Saturdays, through April 10, except March 27 and April 3; 9 a.m. to noon.

* Pacoima Branch Library, 13605 Van Nuys Blvd.: Saturdays, through April 10, except March 27 and April 3; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.