United Way of King County is providing free tax preparation and access to tax credits for low-income individuals and families.

According to the United Way of King County, in 2009, 530 volunteers dedicated more than 16,000 hours to the Free Tax Campaign. Volunteers prepared 13,631 tax returns helping bring $17.3 million in federal refunds back into the community, including more than $5.2 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

Households with a combined income of less than $50,000 qualify for free tax services at 17 locations throughout King County.

Tax preparation sites will be open through April 15 for preparation of 2009 tax returns. Beginning March 1, site volunteers can prepare returns for 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Lists of tax preparation locations, languages, and required documentation for filing are posted on the United Way of King County website’s Free Tax Campaign webpage at www.uwkc.org/taxhelp.