Mayor Scott Avedisian was joined by officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) yesterday to alert Warwick residents about potential deductions available thanks to the federal stimulus package passed earlier this year.

“Individuals and families can realize substantial savings and benefits through these incentives, but only if they are aware they’re being offered, and offered for a limited time,” Avedisian said. “I’m pleased to work with the IRS in an attempt to further publicize these programs.”

The tax breaks range from tax credits for first-time homebuyers, motor vehicle purchases, tax breaks for individuals making their homes more energy efficient and college tax credits to include those who meet income guidelines and don’t owe taxes.

“But all of these incentives have expiration dates so taxpayers should take advantage of them while they can,” said Peggy Riley, the IRS Media Relations Specialist.

The homebuyer tax credit expires on Dec. 1, and the motor vehicle sales tax credit will expire by year’s end, she pointed out.

Avedisian said he decided to host the forum after he noticed an increase in building permit requests of people to improve their homes.

“We’re seeing more building permits for renovations. When you see people are not moving, but renovating, it was a good idea to alert people of the tax incentives for green building,” said Avedisian.

“There are programs here where there is money available for Rhode Islanders and in a down economy, you want to make sure they get as much as possible.”