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Did you know that you can make up to $57,000 annually and still qualify for free tax preparation services? At United Way for Greater Austin, we’re dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome barriers to economic opportunity, so this tax season we want to make sure Austinites take advantage of local FREE tax preparation services that will help them get all the tax credits they’re eligible for.

If you are someone that makes less than $57,000, check out these three free options:

• Call 2-1-1 and receive information about the free tax prep location closest to you.  2-1-1 is free, 24/7, confidential and multilingual. In 2011, the UWATX Navigation Center, which runs the local 2-1-1 program, received more than 5,000 calls from callers looking for free tax preparation assistance.

• Visit MyFreeTaxes.org/uwatx to file your taxes online for free! MyFreeTaxes provides free tax preparation and filing assistance for individuals or families with a combined income under $57,000. Since 2009, MyFreeTaxes has helped 4.5 million families claim nearly $6 billion in tax credits and refunds!

• Visit one of Foundation Communities’ Community Tax Centers in the Austin area. They provide free tax preparation at seven convenient locations by their IRS-certified volunteer preparers for Austin area residents who make up to $50,000 per year. Walk-ins are always welcome, you can make an appointment starting February 15 or you can even drop off your tax documents so you don’t have to wait.

These local, free resources can also help working individuals and families receive important federal tax credits they may not know about, mainly the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Called one of the largest anti-poverty tools working in the United States, EITC can mean up to $5,751 for eligible taxpayers. This is money families can use to reduce debt, build savings, pay for education and training or simply use to make ends meet. Find out who qualifies for EITC here.