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 16, 2021, students will be available on a limited basis near the Wal-Mart entrance to the Fort Steuben Mall (the former Foot Locker location) across from 106.3 The River. The last day of taxpayer assistance will be April 9.

Hours of operation will be Wednesday and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The site will be closed on April 1 and 2 for Easter break.

All participating students have completed an individual income tax course and have passed a series of IRS training courses and exams.

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 childcare credits, education credits, and earned-income credits. In addition, students can 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 or 1099-NEC. Local tax return preparation is not available.

Taxpayers must have the correct amount of both their COVID stimulus payments received in either 2020 or 2021. The service is available to taxpayers with income of less than $60,000.

Due to COVID-19, there will be limited seating at the site, and all taxpayers must wear masks.

For additional information, call the Fort Steuben Mall customer service desk at 740-264-7781 or check www.facebook.com/FortSteubenMall.