Ohio Benefit Bank locations around Ohio will provide free tax filing assistance on Saturday, Feb. 2, as part of Ohio’s first Free My Refund Day, a statewide effort to make free tax filing available during weekend hours to accommodate working families.

Most households with annual incomes of $60,000 or less are eligible for free tax preparation and filing through The Ohio Benefit Bank. Trained counselors can tell families what credits they are eligible for and help them prepare and file returns.

“The Ohio Benefit Bank is a wonderful resource for Ohioans. It provides families in need with convenient access to important resources and assistance programs,” said ODJFS Director Michael Colbert. “Free My Refund Day is an opportunity for people not only to access free tax preparation, but to learn about other programs they may be eligible for.”

“We believe that every Ohioan deserves to hold on to their full tax refund, because it’s money they have earned,” said Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, which manages the Ohio Benefit Bank. “Our goal is to put more federal money into the pockets of our neighbors and friends to help them put food on the table, pay bills, build their savings, and grow the local economy.”

To participate in Free My Refund Day, Ohioans can search for the nearest participating site by going to www.ohiobenefits.org and clicking on “Benefit Bank Locator.”

In addition to the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and ODJFS, Free Your Refund Day is also sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, AARP, the Ohio Family and Children First Council, the Ohio Development Services Agency, and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

Free tax assistance is available through The Ohio Benefit Bank throughout tax season. For more information, visit www.ohiobenefits.org or call 1-800-648-1176, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.