DETROIT -- The home stretch of tax season is here.

In Detroit, leaders are encouraging residents to check their eligibility for free online tax preparation and electronic filing services.

At a joint news conference Wednesday morning, state and company officials said help is available through the Accounting Aid Society and Free File Alliance. They said many low-and middle-income taxpayers are missing out on income tax credits, including state and federal earned income tax credits.

"Uncle Sam's going to get his. It's now time for us to get ours and we can do that by taking advantage of these tax opportunities," said the Rev. Wendall Anthony, president of the Detroit NAACP.

There are more than two dozen centers around metro Detroit that offer free tax preparation.

To see a list of free centers by county, click here.

"We still leave plenty of federal dollars on the table. We can think about this as our own stimulus package," said Michigan. Lt. Gov. John Cherry. "Not money that's going to a Wall Street executive. It's money that's going to someone who might live next door to us."

At one center in southwest Detroit, Local 4 talked to two taxpayers who got their taxes done for free, having in the past tried to do them alone or paid to have them done.

"I was referred to them and they all have been excellent," said Victoria Houser.

"I've tried to do them in the past and I've been to tax preparers but this one is very good," added Georgia Richardson.

According to the state, last season the free centers helped more than 12,500 people get back $10.8 million in refunds.

Find out more online at Michigan Department of Treasury Web site.