The holidays are behind us and tax season, although months away, lies ahead.

If you would like to get a head start on filing those returns, a Lafayette agency is offering a free program to help low and moderate income residents recoup every penny of their tax returns.

"Especially in 2010, we are really pushing for the use of vita sites, and that's volunteer income tax assistance sites where families can go in, especially families that make $49,000 or less and they get free assistance with preparing their tax returns" says the United Way's Angela Morrison.  

The program which begins January 15th, is part of United Way of Acadiana's new financial literacy program, "Earn it. Keep it. Save it."

It's being offered in nine Acadiana parishes at the locations below:

ACADIA: ASSIST Agency, 11 N. Parkerson, Crowley.

EVANGELINE: Kids Links, 618 W. Long St., Ville Platte.

IBERIA: Iberia Community Action Center, 722 Walton St., New Iberia.

LAFAYETTE: Lafayette Career Solutions, 706 E. Vermilion; Lafayette Community Action Center, 501 St. John St.; Acadiana High School, 315 Rue de Belier.

ST. LANDRY: Continuous Links, 8202 La. 182, Opelousas; Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, 232 S. Liberty St., Opelousas.

ST. MARTIN: St. Martin Community Action Center, 2097 Terrace Road, St. Martinville.

ST. MARY: St. Mary CAA Central Office, 1407 Barrow St.,

FRANKLIN: St. Mary Neighborhood Service Center, 330 Cardinal St., Morgan City; St. Mary Neighborhood Service Center, 203 Martin Luther King Blvd., Baldwin.

VERMILION: ASSIST Agency, 2115 Charity St., Abbeville.