Free income tax help offered in Cass County

Volunteers in Cass County have been trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service and state of Minnesota to help people prepare federal and state income tax returns, as well as Minnesota property tax or renter's refunds.

This program is co-sponsored by the IRS, state of Minnesota and AARP.

People of all ages are welcome to the following handicap accessible sites. Bring Social Security cards, W-2s, 1099s, last year's tax forms, child care expenses and any other information needed to complete tax forms. The 2002 property tax refund requires a 2003 property tax statement for homeowners and 2002 CRPs for renter's refund.

For more information contact Patty Herheim, Cass County district coordinator, at (218) 682-2596, or any counselors listed.

Backus -- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through April 15, Backus City Hall. Vanette Granlund, (218) 947-4886; Ruth Dwire; Gloria Norman.

Cass Lake -- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through April 10, Leech Lake Tribal College. Call Sue Robinson at (218) 335-3688 for an appointment. Patty Herheim, (218) 682-2596; Ed Mergens, (218) 547-1098; Carolyn Rude, (218) 547-2085.

Emily/Outing -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 15 and 29, April 12, and 3 to 8 p.m. Thursdays through April 10, Emily City Hall; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 22, March 8 and 22, April 5, Outing Town Hall. Appointments are preferred. Marie Reineck, (218) 839-2538; Ardith Buchite, (218) 763-3644.

Hackensack -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through April 9, Senior Citizen Building. Bob Kennedy, (218) 675-6840; Al Hoover, (218) 675-6839; Joyce McManus, (218) 675-6266; Al Mitton, (218) 682-2071; Robert McGinty.

Longville -- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through April 10, Margaret Welch Memorial Library. Mary Jacobson, (218) 363-2149; Darlene Osterholtz, (218) 566-4477.

Pillager -- Noon to 4 p.m. Fridays through April 11, Pillager Family Center, 746-4009. Appointments are preferred. Call Alice at 746-4009. Chad Converse, (218) 895-5621; Maris Snyder.

Pine River -- 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through April 9, Pine River/Backus Family Center. Appointments appreciated. Call (218) 587-4292. Janet Riley, (218) 587-4332; Bruce Winder, (218) 587-2752; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through April 12. Barbara Collins, (218) 587-2759; Chuck Pelzl.

Remer -- 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, March 10, 17, 24 and 31, April 7 and 14. Ira Smart, (218) 889-2363; Pat Ritter, (218) 566-2002.

Walker -- Noon to 4 p.m. Fridays through April 11, Saturdays through April 12 and Mondays through April 14, American Legion Post 134. Call (218) 547-1058 after 12:30 p.m. for appointments. Don Wendt, (218) 836-2014; Orv Rosenberry, (218) 547-1363; Carol Smith, (218) 547-3008; Audrey Chelberg.

Woman Lake -- Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through April 9, Woman Lake Inn. Patty Herheim, (218) 682-2596.