More than 400 volunteers are needed to prepare tax returns throughout King County for United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

United Way will operate one of the tax-preparation sites at Bellevue’s Hopelink facility from January 13 to April 15, 2009. The program is designed to help low- and middle-income families prepare their income tax forms, take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits while avoiding fees associated with commercial preparers.

At the sites, tax customers also will be able to sign up for certain public benefits and learn about opportunities they have to make the most of their tax returns through opening a savings accounts, receiving a credit report or investing in a savings bond.

All volunteers will receive free tax preparation training and be certified by the IRS. The need for volunteers is especially high for those who speak Spanish and Russian.

Last year’s Free Tax Campaign filed 12,330 returns and brought back $14.4 million in refunds to the community; 4.6 million of which came from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

For more information and to volunteer, visit unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer or call 206.461.5048.