February 15, 2021 3:30 a.m. 

NeighborWorks Umpqua has opened their free tax preparation service to help those needing assistance.

Due to a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, NeighborWorks will offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in Roseburg and North Bend.

Tax services are by appointment only and NeighborWorks will follow COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the State of Oregon. Services will be contact-free as documents can be shared through a drop-off process by appointment only. Additional follow-up consultations will take place via phone.

For those who cannot travel, trained volunteers are available for questions while customers use a self-service website.

Michelle Martin, Director of Community and Economic Empowerment for NeighborWorks Umpqua said by partnering with the IRS, the non-profit can connect with those in rural areas who normally do not have the means to file their taxes. This year services are being offered in Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

A release said a significant reason for providing these services is to help more people receive Earned Income Tax Credit. The release said the EITC adds dollars to the Oregon economy by giving more working people more money to spend and contributes to reducing poverty.

Tax preparation appointment scheduling is open through April 15th. Those interested in getting their taxes prepared should call NeighborWorks at 877-527-5630 or go to: https://www.nwumpqua.org/vita/