For the Reporter

United Way of King County offers free tax preparation at 19 locations in King County, including Kent, with sites opening on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

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 US.

In Kent, there are two United Way Free Tax Sites, located at:

• Highline Community College Outreach Center, 23835 Pacific Highway S., Building 99

• WA Women’s Employment and Education Center, 515 W. Harrison St.

In addition to preparing federal tax returns, United Way offers other services at the sites, such as applications for public benefits like food stamps and utility assistance, assistance with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form completion.

United Way Tax Preparation is free for anyone making under $52,000 and will run through April 15. 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 2012.

For site locations, hours of operation, maps and more information visit uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 2-1-1. People can also file for free online if they make under $57,000 by visiting www.myfreetaxes.com/kingcounty.