STEUBENVILLE, OH—Accounting students from Franciscan University of Steubenville will offer free e-filing assistance to Ohio Valley residents through the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Beginning February 17, 2020, students will be available on a limited basis near the Walmart entrance to the Fort Steuben Mall in the former Foot Locker location. The last day of taxpayer assistance will be April 8.

Hours of operation are Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The site will be closed the week of March 8 for spring break.

Franciscan University students can prepare form 1040; schedules 1, 2 and 3; schedules A, B, and D as well as forms for calculating child and child care credits, education credits, and earned-income credits. Students can also prepare Ohio returns for full-year residents. Taxpayers who purchased health insurance through an exchange and received federal subsidies reported on form 1095-A are not eligible for assistance at the site, nor are taxpayers who receive a 1099-MISC.

Local tax return preparation is not available. The service is for taxpayers with less than $60,000 income. All participating students have completed an individual income tax course and have passed a series of IRS training courses and exams.

This marks the 32nd year that Franciscan University students have offered this service through the VITA program.

For additional information, call the Fort Steuben Mall customer service desk at 740-264-7781 or check out the Fort Steuben Mall on Facebook.