LEWISTON – Local officials are urging low-income Lewiston and Auburn residents to take advantage of federal tax benefits again this year.

The Twin Cities are scheduling free state and federal tax return preparation programs at community centers around the city and urging residents to get better informed about the Earned Income Tax Credit program, a tax benefit for low- and middle-income workers.

Lewiston Mayor Lionel Guay and Auburn Mayor Normand Guay have scheduled a press conference at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, to promote the tax preparation help.

City officials, Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce and local tax return preparers have offered help and training for several years. Last year, with the help of preparers, local taxpayers were refunded $262,416 in earned-income credits.

This year, the cities will offer tax preparation help at the Hillview Community Center, the B Street Community Center and Andover College in Lewiston; at the Family Development Center in Auburn; and at the South Paris Career Center.

The cities are also offering free Earned Income Tax Credit screenings on Jan. 18 at Lewiston City Hall. Those interested in tax help or tax credit information should contact Coral Thompson at 784-2951, extension 109.