United Way helps with income tax preparation

United Way of Elgin's Income Impact Council is offering free income tax preparation to families who made $50,000 or less in 2009 or individuals who made $25,000 or less.

IRS-certified volunteers will be available to help from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. The program starts Jan. 30 and runs through April 15. It's closed on Feb. 6. No appointments are necessary; it's first come, first served.

The free program will help eligible taxpayers claim important tax credits and increase their income. Some include: Earned Income Tax Credit, Property Credit, Heating Credit and Childcare Credit. Individuals will also be able to take advantage of other services such as: opening a savings or checking account to deposit the refund, prepaid debit cards to deposit the refund onto, and Financial Aid for Education (FASA) assistance to apply for help in paying for college.

For details, call United Way of Elgin at (847) 741-2259 or visit the Center for Economic Progress Web site: www.economicprogress.org.

The services are made possible in part by the Grand Victoria Foundation.