We heard from our friends at The Unity Council - a nonprofit community development organization in Oakland - announcing  the availability of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program again this year.

The program provides free tax assistance for working individuals and families earning less than $49,000 per year. The VITA program will be open through Tax Day and up until April 18. Spanish translation services are also available.

Are you interested ... and do you qualify? Here's the pitch:

"VITA's 2010 tax season was a success with over 900 families served and nearly $1.4 million refunded. This year, the Unity Council hopes to exceed last year's results, both in terms of individuals served and monies returned.

"Many of our clients served don't realize they are entitled to receive tax refunds," said Gilda Gonzales, CEO of The Unity Council. "These families desperately need the funds to pay bills, pay down debt, purchase necessities and in some cases, help them stay in their homes. We also are committed to assist our clients with broader financial issues such as budgeting and, when possible, asset planning and management to build future financial security."

The success of the Unity Council's VITA project is attributed to the dedication of IRS-certified, trained volunteers who help greet and intake clients, complete tax forms and assist with financial planning. To volunteer at the Unity Council for the VITA project, contact Anthony Zapien, site coordinator at (510) 535-7175 or email azapien@unitycouncil.org.

To make an appointment, call The Unity Council's One Stop Multicultural Career Center at (510) 535-6101 or stop by 1900 Fruitvale Ave. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. On the second and fourth Friday of every month, the hours of operation are limited to noon to 4 p.m.

Attendees should bring:

• A Social Security card or ITIN number for each family member.
• W2s, 1099s and other income forms
• Their childcare provider's name, address and tax identification number (if applicable)
• A voided check or check copy for direct deposit of their refund
• The name, address and phone number of their landlord (to get the Renter's Credit)
• Last year's tax return (if they have it).

The Unity Council is part of the United Way's Bay Area coalition of more than 200 organizations and one of 21 sites in Alameda County. Known as VITA sites, the administering community or government organizations provide free tax help for low-income wage earners during the tax season. The Unity Council has been deemed a "super site" because it has consistently assisted more than 500 individuals with their taxes for the past six years.

VITA also connects tax filers and family members to financial education classes and asset-building opportunities. Classes, which are held in several languages to meet the needs of consumers, range from car buying assistance to budget advising and foreclosure prevention.