More than 600 volunteers are needed to prepare tax returns throughout King County for United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

United Way operates the free program at 14 sites throughout King County from Jan. 11 to Apr. 15, 2011. One of the sites is in Bellevue.

The program is designed to help low- and middle-income families prepare their income tax forms, take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other tax credits while avoiding fees associated with commercial preparers. At the sites, tax customers will also be able to sign up for certain public benefits and learn about opportunities they have to make the most of their tax refund by opening a savings account or investing in a savings bond.

All volunteers will receive free tax preparation training and be certified by the IRS. Volunteers who speak Chinese, Vietnamese, Spanish, Somali, Korean, Amharic, Cambodian and Russian languages are especially needed.

In 2010, volunteers filed 14,000 returns and brought $19.7 million in refunds back to the community.

More information or to volunteer is available online or call 206-461-5048.