United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation at two sites in Bellevue through April 15. The program is designed to help low- and middle-income families prepare their income tax forms, take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits while avoiding fees associated with commercial preparers.

In addition to filing tax returns, customers will be able to purchase savings bonds, open credit union accounts, sign up for prepaid debit cards and apply for public benefits such as the Washington Basic Food Program.

Tax help is available at:

Crossroads Mall, Northeast Eighth Street and 156th Avenue Northeast from 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays; 5-9 p.m. Thursdays; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Help is available in English and Spanish.

Hopelink, 14812 Main St. 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays (English, Amharic, Farsi, Chinese, Russian); 1-9 p.m. Thursdays, (English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian); and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays (English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Chinese, Russian).

Last year, United Way’s Free Tax Prep Campaign filed 14,000 returns countywide and brought back $19.7 million in refunds to the community; $6.2 million of which came from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

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 2010.