From January 13 - April 15, United Way of King County will provide free tax preparation and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to help working families increase their incomes and create savings. Tax services will be available at 15 sites across King County. Free tax preparation allows low-income people to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid paying unnecessary fees for commercial tax preparation and "rapid refund" loans. Being financially stable reduces the risk of becoming homeless.