The Internal Revenue Service says free tax help will be available, at O'ahu sites staffed by community volunteers, for low-income workers needing to meet the April 15 filing deadline.

People who made $42,000 or less last year can get help on federal returns from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites in Honolulu and Waipahu.

Volunteers and others at the sites can help prepare returns and file them electronically.

Community volunteers also can help people get the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible.

For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit may add an extra $2,000 benefit on average for those who qualify.

The additional child tax credit and the first-time homebuyer's credit are also affected by a taxpayer's income.

The sites are:  

Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, 545 Queen St., Suite 100, in Honolulu on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, April 18 and April 25.

You can also make an appointment by calling Esther at 522-0682.

WCA & Weed n Seed II, 94-340 Waipahu Depot Road (by Old Big Way) in Waipahu on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People who want help should bring identification, Social Security cards, birth dates, income statements and other information needed for tax preparation.