Thanks to free tax preparation assistance from Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, more than 300 members received a total of $259,990 in federal and state refunds during the past tax season.

The $37 million credit union in Kamuela, Hawaii, said its Volunteer Tax Income Tax Assistance program played a big role.

Assisted members also received a total of $116,166 in earned income tax credits, according to Hawaii First.

The credit union is in its fourth year of providing free income tax preparation through the VITA program, said Mahealani Thompson, community development director.

Hawaii First was also one of three participating organizations in the state to offer Beehive, a self-facilitated tax preparation pilot program, the credit union said. Beehive allowed community members with experience preparing their own taxes to e-file both state and federal returns at no cost.

The credit union serves more than 7,000 members.