United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation at 24 locations in King County to help keep area families financially stable. The program is designed to help low and middle-income families increase their financial security and keep more of what they earn. At the sites, United Way will prepare income tax returns with an eye to take full advantage of all the possible credits available, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low to moderate income workers. It is considered the largest anti-poverty tool in the United States.

In Auburn, the United Way Free Tax Site is located at Orion Industries, 1590 A St. NE, Auburn WA, 98002, and is open Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-9 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

In Kent, the United Way Free Tax Site is located at the Kent Multi-Service Center at 515 W. Harrison St., Kent WA, 98032, and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

In addition to preparing federal tax returns, United Way is offering other services at the sites, such as referrals for public benefits like food stamps and utility assistance.

United Way Tax Preparation is free for anyone making under $62,000 and will run throughApril 21st. Services will be provided in multiple languages, including Cambodian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Amharic, Korean, Chinese, Tigrinya, and Russian by nearly 1,000 IRS certified volunteers.

Taxpayers must bring photo identification and Social Security Cards (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for themselves, spouses and dependents. They should also bring wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2), interest and dividend information concerning their income and expenses for the year of 2015.

For site locations, hours of operation, maps, language availability, and more information visit uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 2-1-1. People can also file for free online if they make under $62,000 by visiting www.myfreetaxes.com.