More than 350 volunteers are needed to prepare tax returns throughout King County for United Way of King County's Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

United Way of King County will operate the Free Tax Prep Campaign at 16 sites throughout King County from Jan. 15 to April 15, 2008. 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 will also 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 or expanding savings accounts.

United Way of King County knows that when people are able to establish savings, it creates a cushion that helps keep them from falling into homelessness. The Free Tax Prep Campaign can provide families these resources.

All volunteers will receive free tax preparation training and be certified by the Internal Revenue Service. The need for volunteers is especially high in Auburn, Renton, SeaTac and Downtown Seattle. Volunteers who speak Spanish and Russian are also greatly needed.

Last year's Free Tax Campaign filed 11,288 returns and brought back $13.5 million in refunds to the community; 4.4 million of which came from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

For more information and to volunteer, please visit unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer or call 461.6973.