Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance — VITA — is available at four sites in Hamilton and Wright counties this year, according to Barb Wollan of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Wollan said: “We’re also continuing the new self-preparation option, so local residents have two free options available:

“Do-It-Yourself. To do your own federal and state tax returns free online, and also get help with tax law questions from VITA, send an email to CentralIowaVITA@gmail.com and you will receive a response with instructions.

“Preparation by Volunteers. To have your tax return prepared by IRS-certified volunteers, call for an appointment: in Webster City, call the tax appointment hotline (515-209-5131); in Clarion call Wright County Extension (515-532-3453); in Belmond, call 641-425-9713; in Ellsworth, call the public library (515-836-4852). In addition to an appointment time, you will also receive instructions about filling out forms before you come.

Wollan particularly encourages families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to take advantage of the free tax preparation. By avoiding tax and loan fees, these families can put 100% of those funds to use in ways that build financial security and help them reach additional financial goals.”

Eligibility. There are no eligibility rules for the “do-it-yourself” option, except income must be below about $80,000. To have taxes prepared by volunteers, keep in mind that the IRS does not allow volunteers prepare returns with farm or rental income, or in certain other complex situations. Taxpayers with low to moderate incomes are eligible — singles up to $40,000 and families with two or more children up to $67,000.

Local VITA efforts are supported by ISU Extension with funding through the Iowa Center for Economic Success.