GONZALES — River Parishes Community College, in partnership with the Capital Area United Way, will offer free income tax return preparation to local residents through a program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Beginning Jan. 25, qualified taxpayers in the River Parishes can get free income tax return preparation on federal and state tax returns from 5 to 8 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6, March 5 and April 16.

Taxpayers who expect a refund will receive it within approximately seven to 10 business days after filing electronically with direct deposit.

RPCC is recruiting volunteers for training as tax preparers.

Tax law training will be provided by Internal Revenue Service trained instructors with training through classroom, online and self-study methods. No accounting experience is required.

Minimal computer skills are helpful along with a willingness to serve the public.

Those who wish to volunteer as tax preparers should contact Diane Denton at 225-241-5161 or Lynda.D.Denton@irs.gov. Training will take place Dec. 10 through Jan. 7.