TUCSON, Ariz. (February 5, 2009) -- The 18th annual “Tax Tips Week” on Arizona Illustrated begins Monday, February 9, continuing its tradition of organizing free tax advice for the public from regional tax experts via telephone hotline each year.

“Tax Tips Week” brings volunteer Certified Public Accountants from the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants together with Arizona Illustrated viewers to answer tax questions from a phone bank at the National Bank of Arizona. The “Tax Tips Hotline” -- at 520-584-6220 – is staffed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Feb. 9 – 12, 2009. Additionally, CPAs are interviewed by host Bill Buckmaster in studio each night on Arizona Illustrated, where they get a chance to cover a wide-range of tax topics -- from 401Ks to charitable deductions.

Two of the CPAs lending their expertise to the community this year for “Tax Tips Week” are Michael C. Flowers, CPA, from the firm of Flowers Rieger & Associates; and Richard Bratt, CPA, from the firm of Beach Fleischman.

“Over the years, we have provided thousands of our ‘Arizona Illustrated’ viewers with free tax advice from some of the best CPAs in the business,” said host Bill Buckmaster. “Once again this year, we are looking forward to offering this service to KUAT-TV viewers. Have a tax question? Just pick up the phone and get an answer from an expert!”

For viewers who miss the program’s original broadcast, interviews of the key newsmakers are available on demand at the Arizona Public Media website ondemand.azpm.org.

At a Glance “Tax Tips Week” on Arizona Illustrated

When Weeknights at 6:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on KUAT6 and KUAT-HD; and 9:30 p.m. on the UA Channel, February 9 – 12, 2009. Interviews can also be viewed online following the broadcast at ondemand.azpm.org.

What Certified Public Accountants from the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants will answer viewer questions from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Who CPAs also will be featured in studio discussions with Arizona Illustrated host Bill Buckmaster, answering a wide-range of tax questions. Topics include tax changes this year, 401K plans, trusts and giving to charities.

How to participate The phone number to call is (520) 584-6220 during that hour.

About Arizona Public Media Arizona Public Media® is a member-supported non-profit media organization of The University of Arizona, this year celebrating 50 years of public broadcasting service to Southern Arizona. Arizona Public Media (AZPM) broadcasts PBS stations KUAT Channel 6 and KUAS Channel 27; Digital TV Channels 6-1 PBS-HD; 6-2 V-me (en español); 6-3 Create; KUAS Channel 27-1 PBS-HD; 27-2 PBS Kids; 27-3 PBS World, the UA Channel (Cox 116/Comcast 76); classical music station KUAT-FM 90.5/89.7; NPR affiliate KUAZ 1550AM/89.1 FM; and the Ahora channel (en español) on KUAZ-HD2. AZPM also produces award-winning original local programming from its digital studios on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. More information on PBS programming and community events in Southern Arizona can be found at www.AZpublicmedia.org.

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