The city of Phoenix has joined with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer free income tax preparation for current or prior year taxes or for the economic stimulus package from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, and 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through July 30, at the John F. Long Family Services Center, 3454 N. 51st Ave.

The city is urging people who usually do not need to file a tax return – some retirees, disabled veterans and low-income wage earners – to complete their return and send it in as soon as possible. People who receive at least $3,000 from wages or certain benefits from Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Veterans Affairs may be eligible for the stimulus payments.

Be sure to bring Social Security and/or ITIN cards for all listed on the return, picture ID, your W-2 and 1099 Forms, and information for other income and for all deductions and/or credits.

People who file returns for the 2007 tax year may be eligible to receive checks from the IRS of up to $600 for individuals and $1,200 for couples under the federal government’s economic stimulus plan. The checks would be separate of any tax refund a taxpayer might have coming.

In addition to the maximum amounts for individuals and couples, parents also could get $300 for each eligible child. Those who file before Oct. 15 still could receive a check before the end of the year, according to the IRS. For more information, visit cir.org or call 602-263-8856.