Here are answers to the most common questions I received this weekend about taxes.

The Earned Income Tax Credit applies to earned income, such as wages from your job. If you didn’t get it in a paycheck, you probably don’t qualify.

You don't have to take a minimum distribution from an Individual Retirement Account this year. new law suspended that requirement for those age 70 and a half or older, for 2009 only.

The best way to find free tax preparation help is to dial 211. In both Broward and Palm Beach counties, the folks at those call-in centers can direct you to the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites and give you their hours of operation.

The IRS offices that are going to be open Saturday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 21 in South Florida to help you with your taxes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. are:
Broward: 7850 SW Sixth Court, Plantation
Palm Beach: 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach
Miami-Dade: 51 SW First Ave.

What you must bring to get free tax help:
Driver’s license or photo ID
Social Security cards
Dates of Birth
All you income statements, W2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefit statements
Dependent children’s Social Security numbers, name and address

Phone complications:
If you can't reach 211 -- there are some complications -- try 561-383-111 if you are dialing from a phone in Palm Beach County to find a Palm Beach site, or 561-383-1112, if your are looking for a Palm Beach site but are dialing a phone from outside the county. If you can't reach 211 in Broward or are callling from outside Broward looking for a Broward site, try 954-537-0211