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Mon-Yough area residents who need help preparing their municipal, state or federal tax returns can get free assistance three days a week through April 15.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, site is being sponsored by the Money in Your Pocket Coalition, a group of non-profit agencies supported by the United Way, a spokeswoman said.

Individuals who earned up to $20,000 last year and families who earned up to $40,000 may be eligible. The site is also able to file returns electronically.

Meetings with clients are being held at the McKeesport Employment and Training Center, 345 Fifth Ave., Downtown, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Appointments are required. Call (412) 673-5300 and ask for extension 226.

The center is sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Service. Other sites are located in Monroeville, East Liberty and Pittsburgh's South Side.

Partners in the coalition include Just Harvest, the Parental Stress Center, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, United Cerebral Palsy and United Way.

To find other VITA locations, call 1-800-829-1040.

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In addition, the AARP Foundation's "Tax-Aide" program offers free tax preparation help from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the offices of state Sen. Sean Logan and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, 627 Lysle Blvd. An appointment is required. Call (412) 664-5200.

For Westmoreland County residents, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are also available at the North Huntingdon Town House, 11279 Center Hwy., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and at West Newton Senior Center, 103 E. Main St., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays and Fridays (except April 10). An appointment is required for help at the West Newton location. Call (724) 925-6059.

To find locations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties or elsewhere for the Tax-Aide program, visit the AARP website.

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Homebuyers' Workshop April 11: Mon Valley Initiative and PNC Bank will host a workshop for first-time homebuyers from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Courtyard by Marriott in West Homestead, a spokesman said.

Topics will include budgeting to purchase a home, shopping for a loan, closing procedures and maintenance. Attendees will also have the opportunity to schedule face-to-face appointments with MVI housing counselor Mike Mauer and get information on the local housing market and new home construction.

A light breakfast and lunch buffet will be provided. For more information about Mon Valley Initiative's housing counseling program or to register for the April 11 event, call (412) 464-4000 or visit MVI's website.