FRESNO - Assemblymember Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) reminds Central Valley residents of the many opportunities to get free help with their taxes.

The United Way of Fresno County sponsors several Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to help individuals complete their income tax returns.

"When preparing income tax returns, people often run into problems or become lost in the maze of forms and rules, especially when there are changes in the state or federal tax laws. The VITA program offers help to all taxpayers, regardless of age, while the TCE program devotes special attention to seniors," Perea said.

There are VITA and TCE sites throughout the area and many offer special assistance, such as bilingual and/or shut-in services.

The deadline for filing personal income tax returns this year will fall on Tuesday, April 17. The extension is thanks to the Emancipation Day holiday which will be celebrated on Monday, April 16th in Washington DC.

For further assistance or for a full list of sites offering tax help please call 1-800-TAX-1040.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA/EITC) Sites 2012

Contact: Alisha Gallon 661-364-3655