Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Tax volunteers, Landra Alberty and Sandy Long preparing tax papers.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Nation has established sites in area communities to help electronically file taxes for citizens.

"We want local people to save as much money as possible on their taxes by helping them determine whether they are eligible for certain tax credits and then helping them file their returns electronically to ensure an accurate and timely refund," said Stephanie Sharp, tax project team member for the Cherokee Nation.

The Cherokee Nation has formed a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service to increase the reach of the Earned Income Tax Credit and facilitate electronic filing of individual tax returns. The IRS is providing computers and software for the project and the Cherokee Nation is coordinating the locations, volunteers and training.

"We had one family that got back over $5000 just on the Earned Income Tax Credit alone," said Sandy Long, tax volunteer for the Cherokee Nation.

Eligible people are more likely to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit if a trained person figures their taxes. All volunteers have passed a tax prep course and exam. They have been trained in federal forms and Oklahoma and Arkansas state forms.

The program is headquartered in the Cherokee Nation Adult Education Building. At this site alone, volunteers have processed over 300 tax forms and over 600 tax services.

"A tax service is answering a question or giving advice," said Landra Alberty, tax volunteer.

Cherokee Nation tax preparation sites are available in Adair, Delaware, Sequoyah, Muskogee, Mayes, Rogers, Muskogee, Tulsa, and Nowata counties. These sites will be in operation through April 10, 2002.

For more information on the Cherokee Nation tax preparation services in your area call the Cherokee Nation Adult Education Center, phone: 918-458-0484.