Tax season may be a stressful time for a lot of people. Luckily, the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is available to help throughout Lawrence County.

“We fill out taxes for people and help them get earned income tax credit,” VITA volunteer Sherry Popp said. “I enjoy the people I work with and enjoy helping people out. They’re very grateful for our assistance in helping them.”

Popp said that although VITA mostly assists seniors and low-income families, the program is available for anyone.

Ironton VITA site coordinator Kathy Moore said it’s a free service to help the community and that all VITA volunteers are IRS-certified.

“I get certified with the IRS in early December and then I train the volunteers,” Moore said. “The IRS also buys us our software.”

Those filing tax returns must bring proof of medical insurance, photo ID and Social Security cards.

The VITA program is available until April 15 as follows:

Mondays at the Ohio University Southern Proctorville Center, 111 Private Drive 516, Proctorville, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 740-886-7655.

Tuesdays and Thursdays at Ohio Means Jobs-Lawrence County, 120 N. Third St., Ironton, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 740-532-3140.

Fridays at the South Point branch of the Briggs-Lawrence County Public Library, 317 Solida Road, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 740-377-2288.

Saturday-only dates are Jan. 30 and Feb. 13 at Ohio Means Jobs-Lawrence County from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 at the South Point branch of the Briggs-Lawrence County Public Library from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Taxes this year must be filed by April 18, giving taxpayers three extra days.