Local officials have launched their annual free tax preparation program for low-income families and individuals to see if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal government's largest assistance program for the working poor.

Officials said about $77 million of these credit dollars are unclaimed each year by San Diego County families and individuals.

"Now, more than ever in this economy struggling families in our community need to have access to this benefit," said Nick Macchione, director of the county's Health and Human Services Agency. "It's an excellent way to put dollars in the hands of families with children and to our local economy."

Hundreds of volunteers will again offer free, bilingual tax preparation services at about 80 sites across San Diego County as part of the Earned Income Tax Credit campaign. The county began the free service in 2003 and since then more than $36 million in Earned Income Tax Credit dollars have been returned to local families.

The free service will last through April 15, which is the deadline to file taxes. Volunteers will also help screen families to see if they qualify for food stamps, a program that is now called CalFresh.

The federal tax credit is available only to individuals who have valid Social Security numbers.

Officials said people who never qualified for the credit before may be eligible due to a recent change in their status.

"Maybe with the recession they have seen their income drop or experienced changes in marital or parental status and may suddenly find themselves eligible," said Ron Wicks of the Internal Revenue Service.

Individuals and families who worked in 2010 and earned less than $48,500 could qualify for as much as $5,600 in tax credit. To get the maximum return they must have earned far less than $48,500. For more information about the tax credit campaign and eligibility call 2-1-1, the county's non-emergency hotline. Spanish-language service is available.

On Friday, officials launched the free tax preparation campaign outside the offices of the social services agency SAY San Diego, where volunteers were busy already helping low-income families file their tax returns.

Patricia Almeida, 32, was all smiles after Chad Manning, a college student who helped her prepare her tax returns, told her she qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Almeida, a single parent of two small children, earned $10,500 last year working at a store. She will receive a $4,450 tax return. She said she will use the money to pay bills and save up to buy a car.

Leonel.sanchez@sandiegored.com