South County residents will be able to get their taxes prepared for free this year starting Jan. 20 at Edmonds Community College at a free tax preparation site offered by United Way of Snohomish County.

Volunteer tax preparers will be available on campus in Mountlake Terrace Hall Room 212 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 2 p.m —5:30 p.m. The street address is 20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood. This is a new location for United Way’s free tax site.

Last year, trained volunteers prepared 3,489 tax returns and helped families claim upwards of $5.8 million in federal refunds, including $1.9 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. In all, United Way volunteers saved customers an estimated $557,000 in tax preparation fees.

Since 2007, United Way volunteers have prepared over 15,000 tax returns throughout Snohomish County and have helped working families claim $26.1 million in refunds.

This free service is available for households earning $53,000 or less. Taxpayers with rental, royalty, partnership income or who are business owners are not eligible.

United Way will also provide assistance with purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds, applying for state/federal benefits, electronic filing, college education credits, child tax credits and applying for health insurance.

The Boeing Company, Washington State Department of Commerce, Goodwill, and the Internal Revenue Service are United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Program’s primary sponsors and partners.

What You Should Bring

Although no appointment is necessary, taxpayers must bring a picture ID; social security card or tax identification number for everyone on the return; W2s or other income statements from all employers; any 1099 forms; the name, address and tax ID number for your child care provider; records of student loan payments; records of payments for educational expenses such as college tuition; mortgage interest and property tax statements; a bank account number to receive your refund via direct deposit; last year’s tax return — if you have it; and, if you’re filing jointly, both spouses are required to be present to file electronically.

The free tax preparation sites will be open between Jan. 20 and April 14. Sites are first-come, first-served, and they get crowded–especially during January and April. Arrive as close to opening time as possible for the best chance of receiving service.

For more information, please visit https://www.uwsc.org/freetaxpreparationcampaign.php or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals.