By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com

Free tax preparation is available at a handful of locations throughout Grand Island as part of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Earned Income Tax Credit program.

Through the program, HHS works with local organizations to provide free tax preparation services to low- and middle-income Nebraskans.

Using the services can not only save you time, but money as well.

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers.

According to HHS, many Nebraskans aren't aware they're eligible for the credit or that they can receive free assistance in preparing their return.

"We want Nebraska families to get the tax credits they deserve," said Todd Landry, director of the HHS Division of Children and Family Services, in a news release.

To receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, those filing their taxes must meet certain standards for adjusted gross income levels.

The Earned Income Tax Credit can refund filers up to $4,716. People may also be eligible for the Child Tax Credit, which provides $1,000 per child or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credits, which refund up to $2,100.

In Grand Island, free tax preparation is available at the following locations throughout tax season:

* Grand Generation Center, 304 E. Third St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays

* Grand Island Public Library, 211 N. Washington St., 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays

* Central Nebraska Community Services, 2525 W. Lincoln Highway, by appointment only

The Central Nebraska Community Services tax aide works to help the organization's clients make the most of their money, said Heather Cline Ford, outreach program coordinator.

"If we can help people with getting their Earned Income Tax Credit, maybe we can help them make good choices in spending it," Cline Ford said.

The tax aides at the Grand Generation Center and library are sponsored by the AARP Foundation and target those age 60 and over, although anyone is welcome to come in for help, said Howard Johnson, a tax aide from Grand Island.

"It's just a service to people that can't afford to pay a tax professional, and most people don't know how to do their own," Johnson said. "Most of them appreciate it."