Free income tax preparation assistance is available locally next week through the Tax-Aide/Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.

Tax-Aide/TCE is a service of AARP, the retired persons organization, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The free program targets lower-income, elderly and handicapped taxpayers.

Volunteers have been trained by the IRS to prepare simple federal forms, as well as Pennsylvania and local tax returns. Counselors also can prepare applications for rent rebates and can alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible.

The free assistance is not limited to senior citizens. Although several of the sites are in senior centers, low-income taxpayers of all ages are invited to take advantage of the program.

Volunteers will not prepare complicated returns for those who own businesses or rental properties or who are self-employed.

Electronic filing is available at most sites.

Those seeking assistance are asked to take to the sites their W-2 and 1099 forms and other relevant materials showing income for 2002. They also should take copies of their 2001 tax returns.

To reduce waiting time for others, those seeking help are asked to bring information for only one set of tax returns for an individual or couple.

Tax-Aide/TCE volunteers will be available at the following times and locations next week:

   » Sharon City Building -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To reduce waiting time, Schedule D will be prepared on computers only; Schedule D will not be prepared on paper.

   » Shenango Valley Senior Center, 220 N. Buhl Farm Drive, Hermitage -- 9 a.m. to noon Monday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday.

   » Keystone Blind Association, 1230 Stambaugh Avenue, Sharon -- 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday by appointment only by calling (724) 347-5501.

   » Hermitage City Building -- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

   » Greenville Senior Center at St. Paul Homes, West Salem Township -- 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursday.

   » Sharpsville Borough Building -- 9 a.m. to noon Monday.

   » Pine Grove Community Center, Barkeyville Road outside Grove City near the Pine Township firehall -- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday.

The IRS Web site: IRS.gov is available around the clock. It has every IRS form, instruction booklet and publication, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Taxpayers needing answers to tax questions can also get help from IRS taxpayer representatives by calling toll-free (800) 829-1040 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the filing season.

Youngstown State University's accounting department is working with business students and area volunteers in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Volunteers will help prepare federal income tax forms from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 and from 4 to 7 p.m. March 21 and April 4 in Room 115 of Williamson Hall.

Walk-ins are welcome. To set up an appointment, call (330) 941-3084.