The Internal Revenue Service said several nonprofit groups are seeking community volunteers to help provide free tax help in Hawai'i.

Spokeswoman Judy Monahan said that the AARP, the Hawaii Asset Building Coalition, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance groups are seeking volunteers to provide free tax assistance this coming filing season in Hawaii.

Volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and, in most cases, how to file them electronically, she said.

Instruction will cover both federal and Hawaii state tax returns. Training classes are generally held in December and January and, in return, volunteers are asked to donate some of their time to help at volunteer sites around the state between January and April.

The volunteers will prepare federal and Hawai'i state individual tax returns for those in their communities who need help the most: the elderly, disabled, non-English speaking, and those with limited incomes. The AARP emphasizes assistance for senior citizens and VITA emphasizes assistance for lower income individuals and families.

Last year, in Hawaii, more than 400 volunteers helped taxpayers by preparing more than 10,000 federal and Hawaii state individual tax returns, Monahan said.

Anyone can be a volunteer. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed. Volunteers receive triple benefits - tax law knowledge, computer skills, and the opportunity to help others in their community, she said. Organizations, such as local civic or fraternal societies, educational institutions, religious organizations, and social groups can also participate or host a site.

For more information, cal the AARP Tax-Aide prospective volunteer coordinator at 955-5776 or the Hawaii Asset Building Coalition at 677-6939 ext. 25