Springfield, Mass. (WGGB) — Free tax help will be available to Hampden County residents who are declaring property losses due to the June 1, 2011 Tornado.

Springfield Partners for Community Action has announced they have received a special grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to help people who lost property to declare those deductions on their taxes.

“Its a big help to the community because we are the only area agency offering this labor-intensive service to the public for free,” says Jennifer Picard, Development Specialist for Springfield Partners.

Experienced tax preparers are offering this free service to homeowners and renters affected by the tornado. Residents unsure whether they ought to claim a property loss deduction, or who want more information, are invited to attend a free information session.

These sessions will be held every Saturday, from Jan. 28 to April 7, from 11 to 11:30 a.m., at Springfield Partners, 721 State St., 2nd Floor, Springfield.

“It typically takes an experienced professional tax preparer about 3 hours to complete the paperwork,” said Springfield Partners for Community Action Executive Director Paul F. Bailey. He added, “Filing these losses may bring substantial tax relief to some, particularly homeowners with destroyed homes or major property damage.”

To make an appointment for tornado tax services, call 413-263-6500 and be sure to mention that you suffered property damages in the June 1, 2011 tornado and need help filing casualty losses.

Taxpayers will need to bring many documents to their appointment; necessary documentation is listed in IRS Publication 2194, available online at <http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p2194.pdf>.

This service is being provided through Springfield Partners for Community Actions VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.