Fresno families receive free tax advice

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Low income families took advantage of a free event Saturday and are now getting hundreds of dollars back because of a new tax credit.

People who earned less than $54,000 got free tax help and learned about the first-ever State Earned Income Tax credit.

That credit is making $380 million available for working families and individuals this tax season. But a lot of people aren't aware of it.

"I want to encourage those that have not filed their taxes that worked some, they have to have worked some to be able to complete and file their taxes for free so if they're entitled to some of these earned income tax credits they do claim them and spend them here locally," Manuel Romero with Central California Legal Services said.

If you weren't one of the 200-plus people at the event, you can still call 211 to see if you need free tax help.