AROUND TOWN: Tip-earners, learn how to claim tips on your taxes

If you have questions about how to declare tips on your 2008 tax return, you’re in luck. In an effort to help taxpayers with those and other inquiries, the Internal Revenue Service will hold two free problem-solving days, Feb. 3 and 5.

The IRS event, in partnership with the Culinary Union, the Casino Industry and the American Gaming Association, will make IRS representatives available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Culinary Union, local 226, 1630 S. Commerce St.; and from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane in North Las Vegas.

“We realize a number of economic factors have hit the Vegas area especially hard and we needed to reach out to help the tip earning community,” IRS Employment Tax Chief John Tuzynski said. “We hope by adjusting rates and holding problem-solving days taxpayers will get useful IRS assistance.”

While walk-in taxpayers will be assisted, appointments are recommended. Those attending should bring appropriate paperwork and organized records.

To schedule a time to speak with an IRS representative, call 868-5179.