AARP TAX-AIDE TRAINING SET; VOLUNTEERS WILL BE NEEDED

Some of the best penny watchers will be helping others complete their tax returns for this year.

The American Association of Retired Persons is teaming up with the IRS to train senior citizens to be tax-aide counselors. Volunteers will receive free training, and then will assist others with personal income tax returns between Feb. 1 and April 15.

"We basically assist seniors, but we will assist anyone needing assistance free of charge," said Lavern Northdurft, tax-aide program associate district coordinator-instructor.

Northdurft said the program has been active for eight years, but has strengthened considerably over the last two years. "Having people involved locally has helped the program a lot," she said.

Volunteers are taught to figure income, interest and dividends on simple tax returns. "If they have depreciation or a business, we won't be able to help them," she said.

This year Cape Girardeau volunteers will work from two cites from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. twice each week. On Mondays volunteers will work at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope. On Wednesdays they will be at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark.

Northdurft said the program needs 20 to 24 volunteers to do an effective job. Additional volunteers will allow the program to extend the times of service and locations, she said.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call 794-2241 for more information.