An annual free tax preparation program helping hard-working, low-to-moderate-income residents file their taxes and claim refunds officially kicked off Feb. 1. The National EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Day runs through April 14 in Contra Costa County.

The fourth annual Earn It! Keep It! Save It! (EIKISI) Contra Costa Campaign helps qualifying families and individuals claim refunds owed to them, such as federal Earned Income Tax and Child Care credits. Last year, EIKISI helped 1,987 families and individuals claim $2.5 million in refunds, said Campaign Manager Lloyd Madden. The average refund was $1,200.

"This money can really make a difference for hardworking families and individuals who often are struggling to make ends meet," Madden said.

Households earning $39,000 or less can receive up to $4,400 in tax refunds. Madden urged workers to participate even if they don't make enough to be required to file with the IRS. Specially trained volunteers will provide the tax services at 12 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the county. Asset management information and language interpreters will be available at some sites.

The VITA sites can be found at the following locations, times and dates:

Antioch: Opportunity Junction (formerly OPTIC), 3102 Delta Fair Blvd., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 27 through April 14 (appointments only).

Bay Point: Bay Point Works, 3105 Willow Pass Road, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, Feb. 5 through April 13 (appointments only).

Brentwood: EBW Career Center, 281 Pine St., 6 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 3 through April 4; 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Feb. 10, March 3 and March 31.

Oakley: St. Anthony's Church, 971 O'Hara Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 3 through April 14.

Pittsburg: EBW Career Center, 415 Railroad Ave., 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 23 through April 12.

For more information on EIKISI or what documents you need to bring, visit www.cchealth.org or call (800) 358-8832.