United Way of King County is offering free tax preparation at 24 locations throughout King County through April 21, with expanded hours on April 18, the filing deadline for this tax season.

The program is designed to help low- and middle-income families increase their financial security and keep more of what they earn. Households making less than $62,000 qualify for the free tax preparation.

There are two locations in Federal Way: one at the Federal Way Multi-Service Center, 1200 S. 336th St., and one at EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, 31453 28th Ave. S. The free tax site at Multi-Service Center is open Tuesdays through Thursdays between 5-9 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m; the site at the Teen Center is open Mondays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

No appointments are needed, and services are provided in multiple languages by IRS-certified volunteers. In addition to filing tax returns, clients can access healthcare enrollment and other public benefits.

At the sites, United Way volunteers will prepare income tax returns with an eye toward taking full advantage of the possible credits available, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, that reduces the amount of income tax owed by low- to moderate-income workers. It is considered the largest anti-poverty tool in the U.S.

Taxpayers must bring photo identification and Social Security cards (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for themselves, spouses and dependents. They should also bring wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2), interest and dividend information concerning their income and expenses for the year of 2015.

For more information, visit uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 2-1-1.