VITA NEEDS TAX HELPERS

Volunteers are needed to help others with their 1994 tax returns as members of VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and locally coordinated by Dorothy Ank.

Ank said that for eight years VITA has helped area residents who can't afford professional help, but need assistance with their taxes. She said the program has been successful for the last seven years, but the group is in need of volunteers again this year.

Volunteers typically are college students, law students or members of professional organizations who want to learn about income taxes and help others with their returns.

Classes this year will be conducted between Jan. 30 and Feb. 3 at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau. Sam Catalono of the St. Louis office of the IRS will teach the weeklong session.

The IRS will provide the training materials.

VITA typically serves low-income, elderly, handicapped or non-English speaking individuals by explaining the special credits and deductions that apply to them. Volunteers in the program also prepare their returns.

Most VITA members provide assistance at neighborhood locations such as schools, libraries and churches.

Interested individuals should contact Ank at 334-1871.