Sacramento officials kicked off an effort last week to promote free tax preparation that is available for those whose annual incomes are below $39,000.

County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo and Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, were in attendance to announce the locations throughout Sacramento County for the free help.

Officials also noted that taxpayers may be eligible for up to $4,500 in earned income tax credits.

Jones submits that in Sacramento alone, working families fail to claim more than $30 million in earned income tax credits every year.

"That is because people who are eligible in Sacramento don't fill out the form to claim it," he said. "Nationwide, the federal earned income tax credit is the most successful program in lifting families out of poverty."

The credit provides tax money back to working individuals and families, he said.

Jones said there are 60 places to get free tax preparation assistance from various trained tax preparers.

Over the past seven years, county Department of Human Assistance employees and others have prepared more than 18,500 tax returns.

Alexandra Ronner, a clerical supervisor for the department, has been helping with tax preparation this year at 2700 Fulton Ave.

Ronner, who also speaks Spanish and Russian, wanted to do something to help the community. She said there is no typical client.

"They come in all ages and ethnic backgrounds with an income up to $39,000," Ronner said. "Some have complicated tax returns, and some have easy ones. Most are pretty basic."

She welcomes anyone who needs help. Ronner understands how someone would struggle with a tax return.

"Sometimes, it is just a little help that is needed," she said. "We have a really good computer program. They should bring their W-2s, photo IDs, Social Security card and any other tax documents they might have."

At the press conference, Fargo thanked volunteers who will be helping residents fill out their tax forms. Sacramento City Council members Lauren Hammond and Kevin McCarty and Citrus Heights City Councilman James Shelby also attended the event.