Taxpayers in Hardin and surrounding counties can find free income tax assistance from Ohio Northern University business students through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally $54,000 and below) individuals across the country who cannot prepare tax returns on their own.

As part of this program, ONU students receive training and become IRS-certified to help prepare basic and intermediate tax returns and identify special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.

ONU students will offer free electronic filing (e-filing) services at the Dicke College of Business Administration (Room 140), 525 S. Main St., Ada, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5-9 p.m. from Feb. 9 through April 5 (excluding March 1-3 and March 24). Appointments are required.

Taxpayers interested in these services should bring proof of identification, tax information received for the 2015 filing year (including Forms W-2, Forms 1099, any Affordable Health Care Statements and all other items marked “Important Tax Return Document/Information Enclosed”), and copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

To make an appointment or learn more, contact site coordinator Dexter Woods at Ohio Northern University at 419-772-2075.