Free income-tax prep from credit union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union plans to launch this year’s free volunteer income tax assistance program next week, with help available beginning Wednesday at all 12 of its branches in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

It’s the ninth year in a row for the event. In last year’s effort the credit union helped prepare about 1,300 returns that generated nearly $1.8 million in refunds, Bethpage said.

The assistance will include expert advice on the earned income tax credit, which can generate a tax reduction of more than $7,000 per family.

To qualify for help, taxpayers can’t have 2011 income greater than $49,000.

The service will be offered Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays 3-6 p.m. at the Bay Shore, Farmingdale, Freeport, Patchogue, Riverhead and West Babylon branches. It will also be offered Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 3-6 p.m. in Central Islip, Elmont, Hempstead, Massapequa, Roosevelt and Westbury.

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