CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Earned Income Tax Credit Partnership Committee will kick off the 2008 tax season with a Super Saturday event on Jan. 31.

The EITC program offers free tax preparation to individuals who make $41,646 or less, depending on the number of qualifying children they have. The program has been operating in Chenango County since 2004.

“Last year, our coalition prepared over 590 tax returns in Chenango County and 610 in Madison County. Because of this program, more than $1 million was returned in tax refunds to low income families,” said Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco.

Manned by volunteers, the program provides tax preparation by IRS-trained individuals. Those eligible for the free tax preparation are able to e-file their tax return and have their refund direct deposited into their bank account at no cost.