LEWISTON – Free income tax preparation will be available at Super Saturday, Feb. 21, at the B Street Community Center at Birch and Bates streets.

The 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. event is part of the Take the Money; You’ve Earned It campaign in regards to the Earned Income Tax Credit. Community partners advocating awareness of the EITC are the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, Lewiston-Auburn Tax Credit Awareness Coalition, and Casey Family Services.

As a result, four free tax prep sites have been established within the Twin Cities.

The tax credit is a federal tax benefit to help low and moderate income workers increase their financial stability. It is intended to reduce the tax burden on those workers; supplement wages; and assist in the welfare-to-work transition. Based on 2000 statistics, $5.5 million went back into the community through recipients of the tax credit. However, another $1.8 million did not, representing approximately 892 potential EITC eligible recipients within the Twin Cities.

“This campaign is all about putting money back into the pockets of our residents. People have begun to take notice that they may be eligible for up to $4,204 through the Earned Income Tax Credit,” said Lewiston council President Renee Bernier, “and, as a result, our EITC phone line has been very busy. Super Saturday will give even more individuals an opportunity to obtain free tax preparation.”

To obtain free tax prep throughout the tax season or, in particular, for Super Saturday, residents may contact the campaign’s EITC scheduler, Marion Ryan, at 784-2951, ext. 109. Ryan is on site at Lewiston City Hall, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To guarantee a free tax prep spot for Super Saturday, residents may call for an appointment, although walk-ins are certainly welcome.

Refreshments will be served, and informational booths regarding asset building and community services awareness will also be on site.

“We’re hoping for a large turnout,” notes IRS tax specialist Charlie Swett. “Our trained tax prep volunteers have already done numerous tax returns, and it’s exciting to see community residents learn of monies they didn’t know they were eligible for.”

Super Saturday will provide e-filing for both federal and state returns.