New London — The Thames Valley Council for Community Action is offering taxpayers free help preparing their 2017 income tax returns.

The nonprofit agency, which serves New London County, notes that a new law requires the Internal Revenue Service to delay issuing refunds to certain taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit until Feb. 15. The law is designed to combat fraud.

As a result, it’s more important than ever that taxpayers file accurate returns, the TVCCA said in a statement.

In 2016, the TVCCA’s IRS-certified volunteers helped nearly 1,000 individuals qualify for and keep 100 percent of their claimed refunds — more than $2.2 million — without having to worry about hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Many TVCCA clients receive more than 30 percent of their annual income in tax refunds.

Generally, individuals who make less than $54,000 are eligible to have their taxes prepared and electronically filed for free. The TVCCA’s tax-preparation services also are available to people with disabilities, the elderly and non-native English speakers who need help preparing their taxes.

Those who visit a TVCCA tax-preparation site should bring with them Social Security cards for all household members; a valid picture ID; all income forms, including W-2s, 1099s and 1098s; if applicable, form 1095-A from the Affordable Care Act Insurance Marketplace; if itemizing, proof of all deductible expenses; and, if available, copies of last year’s federal and state returns. Clients claiming day care or elder care expenses should have the amount paid and the caregiver's name, address and Social Security or business tax ID number.

TVCCA tax-preparation sites are open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at TVCCA New London, 83 Huntington St., New London; 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Norwich American Job Center, 113 Salem Turnpike, Suite 200, North Building, Norwich; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich; and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, 27 Chase St., Pawcatuck.

Saturday hours will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 11 and March 11 at TVCCA New London and Feb. 25 and March 25 at Norwich American Job Center. For more information, call (860) 425-6597.