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Here’s where to get free help on your 2021 income taxes this Saturday

By Mahoning Matters staff
Shown here are an IRS Form 1040 for income taxes, a pair of glasses and a calculator.
(Getty Images)
YOUNGSTOWN

The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley and The Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership have teamed up to provide free income tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals, families and seniors.

The financial fair is set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Organización Cívica y Cultural Hispanoamericana, Inc., 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown, as a part of the partnership’s “Super Saturday” event, according to a news release.

The services will be offered through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for Seniors programs, the release states.

VITA offers free assistance to persons with disabilities, students and older taxpayers who file a Form 1040-EZ, Form 1040-A or a basic Form 1040 Federal tax return, according to the release.

“Taxpayers who visit a VITA site should bring wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks (Form 1099), a copy of last year’s tax return if available and other relevant information about income and expenses,” the release states.

More than 10 partners will be available to provide financial education and support along with seminars for clients to attend, the release reported.

Vendors will assist each family in making sensible fiscal decisions for their tax return money and their financial future, according to the release.

Over 2,000 individuals in Mahoning County took advantage of the free tax sites last year, saving them more than $2 million in refunds and fees, according to the release.

Volunteers complete an IRS training course in basic income tax return preparation before they can assist taxpayers.

Working individuals and families also may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Twenty percent of taxpayers do not claim this credit, which could result in an additional $5,372 for a family with two children, the release reported.

On-site volunteers can help determine if a taxpayer qualifies for this credit.

Other VITA tax preparation sites in Mahoning County will be at the following locations:

  • Zion Lutheran Church, 330 Canfield Road, Boardman;
  • Campbell’s elementary school, 400 Stephanie Circle, and middle school, 2002 Community Circle;
  • Oak Hill Collaborative, 507 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown;
  • Sebring Library, 195 W. Ohio Ave., Sebring;
  • Tri-Lakes Library, 13820 Mahoning Ave., North Jackson;
  • Youngstown Community School, 50 Essex St., Youngstown;
  • Youngstown State University Williamson College of Business, 224 N. Phelps St., Youngstown;
  • Catholic Charities, which has offices in Youngstown and Warren.