MIDDLEPORT — The Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency (GMCAA) is offering low- to moderate-income families the chance to have their taxes prepared for free.

To help save taxpayers a little extra money, the Community Action Agency has partnered with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to offer free tax filing assistance through the Ohio Benefit Bank.

In addition to offering the free tax filing service by appointment, a free tax preparation clinic will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, at the agency’s Powell Street location in Middleport. The clinic is geared toward helping low- to moderate-income families receive their maximum return.

During Thursday’s meeting, the Meigs County Commissioners approved a proclamation to proclaim Feb. 1 as “You Earned It, Now Get Your Taxes Prepared for Free” day in collaboration with the agency’s campaign to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit and the free tax preparation services.

The Ohio Benefit Bank is an innovative online service which connects Ohioans with more than 20 work support programs and tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, child tax credits and education credits. Residents can visit sites like GMCAA to file federal and state tax returns for free with a trained counselor, or individuals may file on their own at www.ohiobenefits.org.

The average Earned Income Tax Credit is about $2,170, yet approximately one in six Ohioans eligible for the credit do not claim it. Those unclaimed funds mean that local communities miss out on millions of dollars that would have otherwise generated economic activity and growth. Clients using Ohio Benefit Bank can maximize their return without having to pay a high fee to have their taxes completed.

The free tax assistance will be available to most families with an Adjusted Gross Income of $60,000 or less. Clients who choose to receive their refund by direct deposit can receive their refund in as little as seven to 10 days.

Residents of Gallia or Meigs county who are interested in making an appointment to have taxes filed or complete other benefit applications through the Ohio Benefit Bank can call GMCAA at (740) 992-5266. Appointments are available two days per week through tax season from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.