Trained community members and representatives from Cooley Law School's Ann Arbor campus, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan will offer free tax return preparation assistance Friday night to "people who cannot prepare their own taxes," officials said in a news release.

The event, organized as part of the IRS' 2012 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and timed to coincide with National Earned Income Tax Credit Day, will take place in Room L-21 of the library at Cooley's Ann Arbor campus from 2-3 p.m. Jan. 27. The campus is located at 3475 Plymouth Road.

Low to moderate-income individuals, seniors, disabled citizens and people speaking limited English are welcome to attend the event, which is co-sponsored by the Washtenaw County Asset Building Coalition.

Visit www.taxavalon.org for more information and to schedule an appointment.