Tax help available for low-income people

United Way volunteers will prepare taxes for low-income workers free of charge through April 15 at four United Way Neighborhood Houses located in Lehigh Acres, Harlem Heights, Cape Coral and Dunbar. Tax payers must have their W-2 forms from their employers prior to making an appointment for the service.

Individuals and families with income of less that $40,000 in 2007 are eligible for free tax preparation through the VITA program, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. VITA can e-file tax returns and get qualifying refunds to the taxpayer in 9 to 16 days.

United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, Edison College and Lee County Government provides trained volunteers to help prepare and file tax returns for qualifying tax payers. Some taxpayers may be eligible for up to $4,716 in Earned Income Tax Credit.

The Earned Income Tax Credit, known as the EITC, can help low-income working families and individuals. It is a refundable tax credit that offsets income taxes paid by low-wage workers. The IRS estimates that up to 25 percent of eligible workers do not file for the credit.

Call United Way 211 or (239) 433-3900 for questions or to schedule an appointment.