There is free help available to anyone who may need assistance with their taxes this year.

The Connecticut Association for Human Services kicked off the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance season at Burroughs Community Center in Bridgeport Wednesday.

VITA is a program sponsored by the IRS through which trained volunteers prepare and file free state and federal returns for low- and moderate-income families.

Officials say people of low and moderate income should take advantage of VITA's services.

"The tax returns have so many opportunities for people that are struggling to avail themselves of tax credit programs for low- and moderate-income citizens, and many of those citizens don't understand that process, don't realize that those credits are there with the ability to reduce your tax bill," said Ken Flatto, City of Bridgeport's finance director.

Officials say that the Burroughs Community Center has been a committed VITA site for over 15 years.