March 6, 2009 Group offers free tax help for low-income residents Play video

(NECN: Lauren Collins, Manchester, NH) - Tax season is in full swing and in this down economy, every cent back can go a long way. But, the cost, time and paperwork of filing can be overwhelming.

In New Hampshire, college students are helping taxpayers sort through the questions to get the most out of their returns.

Lauren Freedman is a senior accounting major at UNH, and because of her experience with the VITA, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, she plans a future in taxes.

Hundreds of seacoast residents flock to the Northeast Credit Union branch in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for free tax preparation.

Chris Gerber is using the service for the first time, after realizing how much it would cost him to file with a professional.

VITA is a joint effort between the IRS and local community action groups to make sure taxpayers get their earned income tax credit, and any other credit they're eligible for.

Demand for the free help is up over last year, at some sites as much as 50%. As the economy tightens, taxpayers are increasingly relying on what they can get back.