LAS VEGAS, Dec. 8, 2009- In an effort to help hard-working families and individuals maximize their tax refunds during the 2010 tax season, the IRS awarded United Way of Southern Nevada’s Earn It Keep It Save It collaborative with an $85,000 grant to provide free tax preparation services to those earning less than $49,000 in 2009.

IRS certified volunteers will provide assistance to thousands of eligible Nevada residents at one of the 42 VITA sites this tax season.

“The increase in the 2009 income qualification to $49,000 will also enable us to help more clients. We are now able to assist those individuals and families who previously exceeded the threshold, but needed tax assistance,” said Dan Goulet, president and CEO of United Way of Southern Nevada. “The money allows United Way to further its goal to improve the financial stability of individuals and families in order to build long-term, economic independence.”

During the 2009 tax season, United Way helped more than 4,500 Southern Nevada families claim over $5 million in tax refunds, including more than $2 million in federal tax credits.

For more information on free tax preparation visit, www.uwsn.org/EITC

About United Way of Southern Nevada
United Way collaborates with volunteers, stakeholders and community leaders to uncover key strategies designed to develop community-based solutions to our community’s most pressing health and human service issues. Beyond quick fixes, these strategies are delivering lasting solutions, aligned with benchmarks and achievement standards, to change community conditions. For more information about southern Nevada’s most pressing needs and how United Way’s Community-based Agenda is improving lives, call 702-892-2336 or visit uwsn.org.