Many Gulf Coast hurricane victims are now eligible for additional tax services, thanks to an agreement reached by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Taxpayers who have lived through a natural disaster often can benefit by computing casualty loss deductions or filing amended returns for prior years. However, the frontline volunteers at IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites -- where disaster-impacted taxpayers often seek tax assistance -- are not generally trained to handle these more complex situations. Consequently, the IRS sought pro bono assistance for these taxpayers from the private sector.

The AICPA responded to the IRS's request, calling for member volunteers. One of the program's biggest boosters is Ernst & Young LLP, which has devoted great effort to ensure that the program will be successful.

"Our members recognize that hurricane victims face many challenges. We hope that this service will help by giving the victims one less thing to worry about," said Barry Melancon, AICPA President and CEO. "We are glad that our partnership with the IRS has been expanded to include a service that many CPAs see as a way to give back to their communities."

Assistance from participating CPAs may be via telephone, mail, e-mail or in some cases, face-to-face.

Charles R. Kowal, Partner and Director, Personal Financial Services, Ernst & Young LLP said, "No matter where you live, technology gives CPAs across the nation the opportunity to volunteer right from our own desk. Technology has made those in the Gulf Region our virtual neighbors, and it's time to give our neighbors a helping hand."

Low to moderate income taxpayers ($38,000 or less) who want to use this free assistance first must visit a VITA or TCE site. These sites are available nationwide and can be located by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or by calling AARP (the nation's largest TCE sponsor) at 1-888-227-7669.

Written by William R. Stronsem, Director, AICPA Taxation and Benson Goldstein, Technical Manager, AICPA Taxation.