Through the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, individuals and families with an annual household income of less than $64,000 can file their taxes for free until April 18, 2017.

Since the start of this year's VITA program on January 28, 2017, 497 returns have been completed, a 17% increase from this time last year, with an average Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refund of nearly $3,000 going back into Rutherford and Cannon counties. EITC is a benefit for working individuals with low to moderate income. United Way helps people claim their EITC at tax time to pay for essentials such as reliable transportation to get to work, housing and food.

Randy Allen, Director of Community Impact for United Way, said, "This year's VITA program is off to a great start and we want to ensure eligible families are aware of this free service. United Way's mission is to improve financial stability in the community, and VITA is a program that helps people keep what they earned in 2016".

United Way VITA sites are located at Patterson Park Community Center in Murfreesboro and the Smyrna Public Library. For hours of operation, visit www.yourlocavita.org or dial 2-1-1. No appointments necessary.

Individuals and families can also file for free anytime, anywhere with www.myfreetaxes.com.

For more information, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.yourlocalvita.org.