STEUBENVILLE — For the 37th consecutive year, Franciscan University of Steubenville accounting students are stepping up to provide a valuable service to the Ohio Valley community by offering free tax preparation and e-filing assistance.

This annual outreach program is part of the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which supports low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

Starting Feb. 17, trained and certified student volunteers will assist residents at the Fort Steuben Mall, near center court in the main entrance corridor of the former Claire’s Boutique. Assistance will be available on a limited basis through April 12.

Hours of operation:

∫ Mondays 1:30-5:30 p.m.

∫ Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

∫ Wednesdays 3-7 p.m.

∫ Thursdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

∫ Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The site will be closed from March 8-16.

All participating students have completed rigorous training, including a course in individual income tax and a series of IRS exams. They are qualified to prepare federal Form 1040, along with Schedules 1, 2, 3, A, B, and D. Students can also assist with child tax credits, childcare credits, education credits, and earned income credits. The free service is open to those filing Ohio state tax returns as full-year residents.

Certain taxpayers are ineligible for assistance, including those with more than $70,000 in income, those with Form 1095-A (health insurance marketplace subsidies), or those filing 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms. Local tax preparation is also unavailable.

This year’s location and schedule reflect the program’s continued growth and accessibility to Ohio Valley residents.

Franciscan University’s VITA program is a hallmark of its commitment to forming students not just for professional success, but for lives of service. Ohio Valley residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for free, professional tax assistance.