Organizations offer free tax preparation

Raleigh, N.C. — It’s tax time again and this year there are some big changes that could help boost your refund. People also may be able to get their refunds prepared for free.

“The key thing is not only to get it prepared correctly, but to be sure they get all the refund they are technically due back,” Internal Revenue Service tax consultant Ken Garner said.

There are new incentives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help people get bigger refunds, Garner said. For example if you bought a home for the first time or purchased a new car in 2009 that may mean a bigger refund.

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New incentives this tax season

With the changes, experts say it may be a good year to get some tax help.

The IRS has a volunteer assistance program in which low to moderate income families can get their taxes done for free.

Their Web site also links to other groups like AARP, who provide the same help for those who qualify.

The IRS will open also open offices in seven North Carolina cities, including Raleigh, for some extended Saturday hours to help those in need.

“The IRS is in the business of helping people that need help and hopefully to make sure everyone gets their return prepared correctly,” Garner said.