The free tax assistance program, offered through United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee, at Lehigh Community Services, is now accepting appointments for this tax season, which begins Jan. 27.

“We want to help individuals and families save their hard-earned dollars for more important things like rent, utilities, and food, instead of having to pay $250 to $300 in tax preparation fees. Friendly IRS certified volunteers will work with them to ensure they get the maximum credits and refunds they are entitled to,” United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Volunteer Center Volunteer Engagement Manager Mary Meador said.

Meador said she currently has 28 volunteers helping her at the Lehigh Acres location.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the VITA Valet program is available to household incomes of $66,000, or less, at Lehigh Community Services, 201 Plaza Drive, Suite 103.

Meador said appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and all day Saturday.

“The VITA Valet walk-in program begins Tuesday, the 28th, and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she said. “We are taking appointments now and have plenty of openings still for the first week. Valet is a walk-in drop off service only.”

The VITA Valet provides clients with the opportunity to complete an interview and intake form, have their documents scanned to a secure site on Tuesdays and then returning a week later to pick up and review their return. Individuals must have photo ID, Social Security cards, or ITIN letters, as well as the necessary tax documents.

All returns are filed electronically. The VITA services will continue through the filing deadline of April 15.

“We encourage clients to split their refund into several bank accounts to help build/establish an emergency fund. All they need to do is bring in their routing and account numbers for both bank accounts for direct deposit of their refund.”

Individuals can schedule an appointment by visiting UnitedWayLee.org/Free-Tax-Prep, or by calling (239) 369-5818.

Last year more than 5,500 individuals and families were able to utilize the earned income tax credit, as well as other available credits resulting in $7.5 million in the five county region.