Doris Moore, a coordinator with Lehigh Community Services, is coordinating a free tax preparation service for people in Lehigh Acres whose family income is $50,000 and below and already Moore says there are plenty of people who are signing up for the free service.

In addition to Lehigh Community Services as a supporter, the tax preparations will be done by IRS trained and certified volunteers. And Moore, a tax return expert, will take a final look at each return after it has been completed.

The taxes will be done by appointment inside the offices of Lehigh Community Services on Plaza Drive two evening a week and on Saturdays, Moore said.

The United Way is behind the plan to help people whose family income is within the guidelines. Other locations are in Lee and Hendry counties which are also taking part in the free program which began in January and runs through mid-April.

Moore is the bookkeeper and VITA coordinator with Community Services.

“We’ve been asked if we could do taxes for those who may go over the $50,000 limit and we have had to say no because of the demand for those within the guidelines,” Moore said.

The people who do the taxes are volunteers and all have completed a training project and have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Many are retired tax preparers.

“They know what they’re doing; they have the experience and the service is offered as a way to help people save money in tax filing,” Moore said.

She also said the service is provided through a partnership of CredAbility, United Way 211 and the IRS.

For an appointment, you will need your Social Security cards for all taxpayers and an ID and your tax forms listing your income from all sources.

“We’re glad to be of help and on our fliers that have been passed out around the community, you will read that “those instant tax refunds you hear about are really high interest loans.”

“You can E-file for fast refunds with us,” she said.

To set up an appointment, call United Way at 211 for any more information. If you have questions, they should be able to help you.