INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Free preparation of federal and California tax returns is now available for households with income under $53,000.

IRS-certified volunteers under the “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” program operated by Tahoe Family Solutions will prepare the returns.

“This service helps people to receive all of the tax credits they are entitled to, while saving $200 or more on tax preparation fees,” according to a TFS press release. “The new tax implications of the health insurance requirements under the Affordable Care Act will also be addressed on all returns.

---

---

TFS is a nonprofit providing counseling, camping and education services to children and families in the Lake Tahoe area, in both Nevada and California.

“We want to ensure that local households have access to quality tax services so they get the biggest refund, or at least the lowest tax bill, that is legally allowable,” TFS Executive Director Robin Glasgow said in a statement. “The result is more money in the pockets of people who live and work here, and more resources kept in the community to boost the local economy.”

---

---

Last year, the VITA program helped prepare 142 federal returns and 64 California state returns, resulting in over $130,000 of tax credits and over $200,000 in refunds being claimed with the free service.

Starting Jan. 28 and continuing until the April 15 filing deadline, tax preparation appointments are available Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-8 p.m. Saturday appointments are also offered Feb. 7, Feb. 14, March 14 and April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All appointments will be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Non-profit Center, 948 Incline Way in Incline Village. Appointments are available in both English and Spanish.

To make an appointment, call Tahoe Family Solutions at 775-298-0004.