Free tax preparation sessions at libraries

As it does every year, the Internal Revenue Service is making a push to inform people about the earned income tax credit – a program for low- and middle-income families that can result in a credit of up to $5,891.

The earned income credit is refundable, meaning if it exceeds the amount of the tax owed, it can be paid out in the form of a refund. A worker must file a tax return to get the credit, though, even if no tax is owed.

The IRS says one in five eligible workers still misses out on this valuable credit.

The income limits and maximum credits are:

• $45,060 ($50,270 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children; maximum credit of $5,891

• $41,952 ($47,162 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children; maximum credit of $5,236

• $36,920 ($42,130 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child; maximum credit of $3,169

• $13,980 ($19,190 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children; maximum credit of $475

For more information on eligibility rules and what constitutes a “qualifying child,” visit www.irs.gov/eitc.

In addition, free tax preparation sessions are held Monday through Saturday at various locations from Feb. 1 to April 15. Bring a 2011 tax return, valid picture ID, income statements such as W-2s, social security cards for everyone in the family, banking information, child care provider information, and property tax information if you’re a homeowner.

First come, first served

• Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St.: Tuesday, 2 to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave.: Monday, 4 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 1 to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Deer Park City Library, 208 S. Forest Ave., Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Medical Lake City Hall, 124 S. Lefevre St., Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.

By appointment only

Call (509) 358-3526):

• Spokane Public Library, 906 W. Main Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Spokane County United Way, 920 N. Washington St.: Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Numerica Credit Union, 301 N. Havana St., Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Northeast Community Center, 4001 N. Cook St.: Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m.; and Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Cheney Library, 610 First St.: Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.; and Friday, 1 to 5 p.m.