United Way and AARP volunteers recently were saluted for their efforts this tax season to help people keep more of what they earn.

The two organizations collaborated to offer free tax assistance at sites throughout Martin County.

United Way of Martin County set up two Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to offer free tax help to people learning less than $39,000 or those qualified to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

AARP operated eight sites for its Tax-Aide program, the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. The AARP effort serves taxpayers of any age and encompasses a greater variety of tax forms.

From Feb. 1-April 17, 2007, volunteers prepared 1,833 tax returns – an increase of about 500 returns over 2006. People received refunds totaling $1,034,972, including $211,768 in Earned Income Tax Credit.

The IRS estimates that 20 percent of taxpayers who are eligible for the EITC are still not taking advantage of it.

To reach more people, United Way would like to open up more Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites – especially one in Indiantown -- but needs volunteers to do so. VITA sites typically operate in the evening, by appointment. Scheduling is flexible to accommodate the volunteers.

AARP also needs volunteers. Tax-Aide sites operate during daytime hours, and most are based in libraries.

More information about the tax preparation services is available at www.irs.gov, or www.unitedwaymartincounty.org/eitc.shtml, or by calling the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 or contacting Peggy O’Malley, IRS senior tax specialist, at (561) 616-2016.