Free Tax Preparation Offered Through United Way Of Wine Country

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — For the 10th consecutive tax season, United Way of the Wine Country is partnering with local sites in Sonoma County and four other Northern California counties to provide free tax preparation to qualifying individuals and families.

The "Earn It! Keep It! $ave It!" — or EK$— program is being offered at 13 sites in Sonoma County, six sites in both Mendocino and Lake counties, three sites in Humboldt County and one in Del Norte County.

The free tax help is available through the filing deadline of April 15, with some sites running through October for post-tax season filing. Clients can also receive help back-filing for up to three years, if needed.

More than 6,500 tax returns were filed for free through the program in 2019, and more than $9 million in tax refunds were received, United Way of Wine Country said in a news release.

Individuals, families and households — including seniors — must earn $60,000 or less annually in order to qualify.

IRS-certified tax preparers help clients file for tax credits including the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the California Earned Income Tax Credit and the Young Child Tax Credit.

"In this especially difficult time for many in our community, it’s more important than ever to maximize these vital federal and state refunds for hard-working local individuals and families," United Way of Wine Country President and CEO Lisa Carreño said.

Through the SaveYourFund Sweepstakes, EK$ clients who save a minimum of $50 of their federal refund have weekly chances to win cash.

In addition, two grand prizes of $10,000 will be awarded.

Check out Unitedwaywinecountry.org , dial 2-1-1, or text your ZIP Code to 898-211 for details about eligibility requirements and how to book appointments, as well as a list of what documentation is required to complete the state and federal tax filing process.