The Internal Revenue Service says free tax help will be available at sites staffed by by community volunteers in Honolulu for low-income workers needing to meet the the April 15 filing deadline.

It said people who made $42,000 or less last year can get help on federal returns from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites in Honolulu, and Waipahu. Volunteers and others at the site can help prepare returns and file them electronically. 

Community volunteers also can help people get the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit may add an extra $2,000 benefit on average for those who qualify. The additional child tax credit and the first-time homebuyers' credit are important benefits also affected by a taxpayer's income.

The sites are:  

Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii

545 Queen Street, Suite 100

Honolulu, HI  96813

April 13, 14, 15,18, and 25, 2009

By Appointment, call Esther at 808-522-0682

and  

WCA & Weed n Seed II

94-340 Waipahu Depot Rd (by Old Big Way)

Waipahu, HI  96797

Wednesday April 15, 2009

10 AM – 2 PM

People who want help should bring identification, Social Security cards, birth dates, income statements and other information needed for tax preparation.