United Way to offer free tax preparation in Shoreline

United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation at 19 locations in King County, including Shoreline, with sites opening on Tuesday January 14th.

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 addition to preparing federal tax returns, United Way is offering other services at the sites, such as applications for public benefits like food stamps and utility assistance, and 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 15th.

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 2013.

In Shoreline, United Way volunteers will be located at Shoreline Hopelink. Hours are:

• Wednesdays 5-9pm
• Thursdays 1-9pm
• Saturday 10am - 2pm with Russian speakers available 

For other locations and more information, visit the website, call 2-1-1 or 800-621-4636, or text TAX and your five-digit ZIP code to 313131 (for example, "TAX 98104") .