State Employees' Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., is gearing up tohelp members save money through various tax preparation services,including the no-cost Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programsponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and SECU'sown low cost tax preparation service.

In 2011, credit union tax preparers filed over 53,000 returnswith members of the $23 billion SECU receiving $82 million inrefunds and saving $7.9 million in tax preparation fees.

From Jan. 23 through April 17, 2012, members can contact any ofSECU's 239 branches to schedule an appointment with a localSECU tax preparer.

Members with basic tax return needs and a 2011 household incomeof $50,000 or less may qualify for the no-cost VITA program. For those with basic return needs whosurpass the $50,000 income limit, SECU's low cost tax preparationprogram is an option at just $75 per return. Electronicfiling is available with both services.

“For the last few years, SECU has had great success assistingmembers through free and low cost tax prep services, helping themkeep more of their money for life's necessities,” said TeneshaCarter, SECU senior vice president of tax preparation services.