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GREENVILLE — For people who make $49,000 a year or less, Southern Bancorp will prepare their federal and state returns for free.

The Leland and Greenville branches has set special hours for Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Leland branch manager Ashley Zepponi said those who want to take advantage of the offer does not have to be a bank customer.

“This is a community service that we offer and you don’t have to be a customer in order for us to do your taxes,” said Zepponi. “We can do basic returns and itemization.”

Southern Bancorp is a community development bank, which essentially reinvests its profits back into the community.

“The bank does exist to make a profit so the profit can go back into the rural communities we serve,” Zepponi said. “And doing the free tax returns is just another way of serving our communities.”

Zepponi said those who wish to take advantage of the free tax preparation need to bring photo identification, Social Security cards of anyone who will be on the tax return, any W-2’s and 1099 forms and any documents related to filing their returns.

“This is a great opportunity for seniors, school teachers and really anyone who makes $49,000 or less,” she said. “We will do both federal and state returns for free and e-file them as well.”

Zepponi said all of their preparers are certified by the Internal Revenue Service.

Southern Bancorp will prepare returns for free by appointment only during the week by calling Ruby Johnson at the Greenville branch, 215 S. Broadway, (662) 334-1898 or Ashley Zepponi in Leland, 323 U.S. 82, (662)686-6966.