MARQUETTE — The United Way of Marquette County announced Monday that the organization has received a grant which will expand its free tax preparation services throughout this year.

The organization is partnering with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan to increase its ability to work with more individuals in the community to help with their tax preparation.

The grant will allow the United Way to work with IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families in Marquette County to file their taxes at no cost to them. The service is in tandem with the Internal Revenue Services’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and will offer services to those who make $67,000 or less per year. The service will also be offered to individuals with disabilities and taxpayers who speak limited English who need assistance.

“Through this initiative, United Way of Marquette County is committed to ensuring that eligible individuals and families in Marquette County have access to quality tax preparation assistance, helping them maximize their refunds and claim every tax credit available to them,” said a United Way of Marquette County press release. “With this funding, United Way will provide free tax preparation services at both Peter White Public Library in Marquette and at 906 Community Church at Sawyer.”

The United Way is encouraging individuals and families who may need help with the tax preparation services to utilize the program. United Way is also seeking volunteers to ensure the services are available to as many as possible. No tax experience is required to volunteer and no-cost training will be available.

To learn more about volunteering, visit United Way’s website at www.uwmqt.org, call the office at 906-226-8171, or contact the VITA site coordinator Karen Anderson at 906-361-9182 or kanderson@uwmqt.org.