YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The United Way and the Mahoning Valley are teaming up with key partners to provide free income tax preparation assistance through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program).

Low to moderate income individuals and families, as well as senior citizens can qualify for the services made available by both the IRS's VITA and Tax Counseling for Seniors (TCE).

Those in need of assistance can find VITA sites at the following locations and on the following dates:

- Boardman at Zion Lutheran Church (3300, Canfield Rd. Youngstown) - Wednesdays & Thursdays Feb. 9 - April 14 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

- Campbell Elementary School (2002, Community Circle, Campbell) - Tuesdays and Thursday Feb. 8 - April 14 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

- Catholic Charities (319 W. Rayen Ave. Youngstown) - Fridays Feb. 18 - April 1 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

- Oak Hill Collaborative (507, Oak Hill Ave. Youngstown) - Feb. 9 and Feb . 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and March 9 and March 23 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

- OCCHA (3660, Shirley Rd. Youngstown) - Februrary 19 and March 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and April 2 from (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

- Sebring Library (195, W. Ohio Ave. Sebring) - Saturdays February 12 to April 9 (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

- Tri-Lakes Library - (13820 Mahoning Ave. North Jackson) Mondays and Wednesdays 12:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Feb. 14 to April 6.

- Youngstown Community School (50 Essex St. Youngstown) (SCHOOL FAMILIES ONLY) - Feb. 14 and 28 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and March 14 and 28 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

- YSU Williamson College of Business Administration (211 N. Hazel St. Youngstown) Saturdays from Feb. 5 to April 2 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CLOSED MARCH 12).

- Zion Lutheran Chuch (3300 Canfield Rd. Youngstown) Thursdays from Feb. 17 through April 7 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Note that all appointments are appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

VITA offers free tax assistance to taxpayers including, but not limited to those with disabilities, students and older taxpayers who file Form 140EZ, Form 1040A or a basic 1040 Federal Tax Return.

VITA volunteers also alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible. 

Taxpayers who visit a VITA site should bring wage and earnings statements from all employers, interest statements from banks, a copy of last year's tax return if available and other relevant information about income and expenses.

Taxpayers with complex returns may need to see an accountant. 

Working individuals and families may also be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS estimates that 20% of eligible taxpayers do not claim the credit, which could put as much as $5,372 in the pockets of a family with two children.

Some individuals and families may qualify for the credit for the fist time due to unemployment or other changes in the financial, marital or parental statuses during the past year.

The EITC is a valuable but complex tax break. VITA volunteers can help determine if taxpayers qualify.