Business news digest

REGION

Free tax preparation

YOUNGSTOWN — For tax year 2008, Home Savings is offering TurboTax 2008 at www.homesavings.com. When taxpayers access TurboTax 2008 through Home Savings’ Web site, those filing simple returns can prepare and electronically file a federal tax return at no cost by using http://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp” TurboTax Online Free Edition. Taxpayers needing another edition can realize cost savings of 15percent on TurboTax Online Federal products through homesavings.com. The discount does not apply to TurboTax Online State products, bank officials said.

Bank acquisition

WHEELING, W.Va. — WesBanco plans to acquire Cleveland-based AmTrust Bank’s five branches in Columbus as part of a strategy to enhance its position in that market. The bank holding company, based in Wheeling, W.Va., said it will assume all of the AmTrust branches’ deposit liabilities but won’t acquire any loans. WesBanco will pay a 3.5 percent premium on about $601 million of deposits, or about $20.9 million. Each bank’s board of directors has approved the deal, which still requires regulatory approval. WesBanco says it expects the deal to close in March.

Vindicator staff/wire report