IRS survivor guide

Richard Hatch, the first winner of CBS’ reality show Survivor, was recently charged with failing to report his $1 million winnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Hatch, who could face a maximum of five years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine, might have benefited from the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The student-run program helps taxpayers prepare basic tax returns. Unfortunately, Hatch was too wealthy— the program requires that the taxpayer in need have an income of less than $50,000. The program also is intended to help those with special needs, including persons with disabilities, non-English-speaking persons and the elderly. The free service, provided by students from American River College (ARC), will be available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. through April 9. Call (916) 568-3100, ext. 12334, to make your appointment. Students are waiting at Howard Hall on the ARC campus, located at 4700 College Oak Drive, to help you survive this tax season.