NEWS RELEASE FREE TAX ASSISTANCE EVENINGS AT LIBRARY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 1998 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Glenn A. Walsh (412) 561-7876, (412) 276-8160, or Carnegie, Pa., Jan. 23 - Free income tax assistance will be available, two evenings per week, at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library, 300 Beechwood Avenue in Carnegie Borough. Appointments are required for the Tuesday and Thursday sessions, which run from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., from February 3 until April 14. Each appointment will last one half-hour. Rodney Shepherd, a Downtown Pittsburgh attorney, will provide this free service through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA) program, sponsored by the Federal Government's Internal Revenue Service(IRS). IRS volunteers help people with basic tax returns, particularly those with low and fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking residents, and elderly taxpayers. Most taxpayers, whose total annual income is $30,000 or less, are eligible for this free service. However, if a tax return requires the completion of more than two schedules or forms, in addition to the main tax return, then this taxpayer is not eligible for this free IRS service. It is recommended that these taxpayers seek the assistance of a commercial tax preparer. Appointments must be scheduled at least 24-hours in advance. Appointments will be taken, on a first-come, first-served basis, by applying in-person at the Library or by telephoning (412) 276-3456. Volunteer positions are still available in the VITA program. If you would like to assist people with their tax returns, telephone (412) 561-7876; leave a message on the answering machine, and you will be contacted. The Andrew Carnegie Free Library opened as the fourth free public library, constructed and endowed by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, on May 1, 1901. In addition to a Library, the cultural complex includes a 780-seat Music Hall(patterned after Carnegie Hall in New York City), 140-seat Lecture Hall, Civil War Museum, small public park, and discount bookstore. -30- Keep up with events at your Library, on the Internet: . NOTE TO EDITORS: Rodney Shepherd would be available for interviews, on weekdays during the early evening hours only, by telephoning (412) 471-9670.