Problem: As an elderly or low-income taxpayer, you need special tax filing help.

        Strategy: Seek out a volunteer service.

        The Internal Revenue Service sponsors two volunteer programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). The goals for both are to provide free help to individuals who need, but cannot get, professional tax assistance.

        IRS spokeswoman Teri Dixon says more than 110,000 Ohioans received help at a VITA or TCE site.

        The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County main branch, 800 Vine St., will again be a site this year for the VITA program.

        IRS-trained volunteer tax preparers will be available 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday through April 14 in the public documents and patents department, second floor of the north building.

        The VITA service targets elderly and low-income people. Volunteers will prepare all basic forms, including the 1040, 1040A and the 1040EZ, as well as Earned Income Credit forms and schedules. Basic assistance also will be available for Ohio state forms.

        Because of time constraints, volunteers will not be able to help with business tax returns or complex forms beyond the 1040 series.

        New this year will be electronic filing. Some volunteers will be trained to prepare the forms electronically and to file them online at no cost to taxpayers. Electronic filing is available only for those who use a VITA volunteer, and is a secure way to file taxes that usually results in faster refunds.

        A total of 103 local taxpayers received free assistance through the service at the library, initiated last year. Service is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

        More information is available at (800) 829-1040.

        Readers: Consider Savvy Strategies as general information only and seek the help of professionals because circumstances might vary.

        Planners: Share your unique strategies with Enquirer readers. Send your Savvy Strategies to Amy Higgins, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202 or e-mail ahiggins@enquirer.com.

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