The Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Program kicks off at 3:30 on Friday, Jan. 29 at the Steinbeck Public Library at 350 Lincoln Avenue in Salinas. Trained preparers will be on hand to complete returns for wage earners who make less than $49,000.  Sites will be open throughout the county thru tax season. They will also help people claim their Earned Income Tax Credit, which this year can be as much as $5,657 for a family with three children.  To take advantage of the program people can call 2-1-1 to find the site most convenient to them.  Many people will qualify for the tax credits for the first time this  year because of working fewer hours.