“I applaud United Way’s efforts to help lower-income families keep as much of their money as they’re entitled to,” said Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Filling out a tax return is challenging—especially for those of us who don’t have tax attorneys at our disposal. United Way’s program is designed to spread the word about available tax credits and help people get the forms filled out correctly.”

The United Way of King County is providing free tax preparation services for low and moderate income individuals and families at 13 locations throughout King County. Over 200 volunteers will be available through April 15 to assist in electronically filing tax returns. Many of the volunteers will be bilingual.

As the volunteers fill out the forms, they will also work with taxpayers to ensure that they’re receiving the maximum return they’re eligible for. For a number of taxpayers, that will involve providing them with information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program. The EITC is a refundable tax credit targeted to low and moderate income taxpayers. The average EITC is $1,600. In 2002, over 70,000 families in King County were eligible for the EITC and they received an additional $99 million in their tax returns.

“This program will make sure that people who are eligible for the EITC receive it,” said Phillips. “This is money that they have earned, and it could make a substantial difference in the quality of life for many families in our community. I want to encourage people to take advantage of United Way’s tax help.”

For more information and for the locations of the tax preparation centers, contact the United Way of King County (206) 461-4934. You can also go on line for more information at www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/eitc/default.asp