For Immediate Release s473

3120 McDougall Ave., Ste. 200Everett, WA 98201

Ph: 425-374-5500

F: 425-374-5555

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 14, 2015

Contact

Neil Parekh

Vice President of Marketing and Communications425.374.5501 office

206.370.0058

United Way opening Free Tax Preparation Sites Jan. 20

(Everett, WA) – United Way of Snohomish County is once again offering free tax preparation at six sites in Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville and Monroe starting Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Last year, trained volunteers prepared 3,489 tax returns and helped families claim upwards of $5.8 million in federal refunds, including $1.9 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. In all, United Way volunteers saved customers an estimated $557,000 in tax preparation fees.

Since 2007, United Way volunteers have prepared over 15,000 tax returns throughout Snohomish County and have helped working families claim $26.1 million in refunds.

This free service is available for households earning $53,000 or less. We do not serve taxpayers with rental, royalty, partnership income or who are business owners.

United Way will also provide assistance with purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds, applying for state/federal benefits, electronic filing, college education credits, child tax credits and applying for health insurance.

The Boeing Company, Washington State Department of Commerce, Goodwill, and the Internal Revenue Service are United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Program’s primary sponsors and partners.

What You Should Bring

Although no appointment is necessary, taxpayers must bring a picture ID; social security card or tax identification number for everyone on the return; W2s or other income statements from all employers; any 1099 forms; the name, address and tax ID number for your child care provider; records of student loan payments; records of payments for educational expenses such as college tuition; mortgage interest and property tax statements; a bank account number to receive your refund via direct deposit; last year’s tax return – if you have it; and, if you’re filing jointly, both spouses are required to be present to file electronically.

Locations and Hours

The six free tax preparation sites will be open between January 20 and April 14 in Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville and Monroe. Sites are first-come, first-served, and they get crowded—especially during January and April. Arrive as close to opening time as possible for the best chance of receiving service.

Everett

Goodwill's South Everett Job Training and Education Center
(228 SW Everett Mall Way, Everett)

Tues., Wed., and Thurs. from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

North Middle School
(2514 Rainier Avenue, Everett)

Tues. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; Thurs. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; and Sat. from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

South Everett Foursquare Church/Children's Village
(14 E Casino Road, Suite D, Everett)

Tues., Wed., Thurs., and Fri. from 9 a.m. – 12:30 pm.

Lynnwood*

Edmonds Community College – Mountlake Terrace Hall Room 212
(20000 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood)

Tues. from 5 - 7:30 p.m.; Thurs. from 5 - 7:30 p.m.; and Fri. from 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

*New Location for 2015

Marysville

Goodwill’s Marysville Job Training and Education Center
(9315 State Avenue, Marysville)

Tues. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; Thurs. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; and Sat. from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Monroe

Park Place Middle School

(1408 W Main Street, Monroe)

Tues. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; Thurs. from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; and Sat. from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Providing free tax preparation services, encouraging people to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds and offering financial education programs are part of United Way’s overall effort to help Snohomish County families achieve and maintain financial stability.

For more information, please visit http://www.uwsc.org/freetaxpreparationcampaign.php or call 2-1-1 for information and referrals.

# # #

United Way is a community impact organization serving Snohomish County for more than 70 years. In addition to funding 107 programs through 40 agencies with a special focus on local health and human services, United Way of Snohomish County supports a number of initiatives focusing on early learning and education, financial stability for families, a youth program, North Sound 211 and an emerging initiative in survival English.

To find out more about United Way of Snohomish County, including how you can find help, how to volunteer and how United Way serves our community, please visit our website at uwsc.org.