As Ironton recruits volunteers for free tax preparations services, it is important that working Ohioans are aware of the service available to help them maximize their federal tax returns.

Free tax preparation assistance is available at more than 160 sites across Ohio. Ohioans interested in this program should contact the IRS hotline (1-800-906-9887) for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site locations.

Visitors to VITA sites can receive help claiming a number of tax credits, including the The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

The EITC is a vital tool for lower-income, working Ohioans — especially those with children. Working Ohioans who earned less than $48,000 last year could be eligible to receive an EITC of up to $5,660.

Approximately 160,000 Ohio families qualify for the EITC, but as many as 20 percent don’t take advantage of it. That’s 175,000 working families who have earned the tax credit but are not receiving it.

During these tough economic times, it’s critical that Ohioans receive the money they’ve earned.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown