Benton, Ark. - Central Arkansas Development Council is still offering free tax return preparation for taxpayers in the Pulaski, Saline, Hot Spring, Columbia and Union Counties.

In Pulaski County, the tax site is located at the City of Jacksonville. The tax site is open now through October 15. Contact Theresa Watson at 501-982-0026 for an appointment.

In Saline County the site will be located at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, 1800 Smithers Dr in Benton. Contact Susan Wills at 501-778-1133 to schedule an appointment. The site is open now to September 30.

In Hot Spring County, the tax site will be at the Malvern Hot Spring County Library, 202 East. Third St. in Malvern. The site is open now until September 30. Contact Jean Sorrels at 870-867-0151 to schedule an appointment.

In Columbia County, the tax site will be at Bancorp South, 300 North Jackson in Magnolia. The tax site is open now through September 30.  Contact Jacquelyn Carter at 870-901-2215 to schedule an appointment.

In Union County, the site is located at El Dorado Connections, 824 Camp Street. Contact Austin Bollen 870-864-7080 to make an appointment. The tax site is open now through October 15.

To receive help, bring your family's Social Security cards, picture ID, W- 2/1099s, a copy of last year's return, plus any other information that might be helpful.  Most people will receive their state refund within 5 days; federal return within 10 days. All sites are staffed by IRS trained and certified tax preparers.

CADC will help families and individuals claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and receive all of the federal and state tax benefits, credits, and deductions to which they are entitled. CADC also helps families take advantage of tax law changes, including the split refund option, which allows taxpayers to split their refunds and directly deposit the money they are owed into as many as three bank accounts.

CADC is encouraging families to plan on saving at least some of their refund and investing in their future. CADC recommends that families and individuals interested in this refund-splitting opportunity bring their savings and checking account numbers and bank routing information.

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the "War on Poverty." The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please contact Robin Freeman at 501-778-1133.

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