Tax Season Announcement

As a former VITA volunteer (while I was in law school), I can vouch for the quality of this program. If you need any help with your taxes, this is an excellent resource.

Ivy Tech students provide free tax filing assistance under IRS volunteer program.

LAFAYETTE (February 4, 2016) — IRS-certified Ivy Tech accounting students and faculty will provide free tax help to qualified income tax filers. Tax assistance will be available on the second floor of Ivy Hall in Room 2331, located on the Ivy Tech campus at 3101 S. Creasy Lane in Lafayette. Tax filers must make an appointment by calling 765-269-5848. No appointments will be made during the college’s spring break held March 13-20.

Last year, Ivy Tech students helped over 4000 families receive $740,000 in net federal and state refunds and helped local taxpayers save an estimated $89,000 in tax preparation fees. Filing federal and state tax returns now will also help students meet the March 10 FAFSA filing deadline for financial aid.

Both students and volunteers have been trained and certified under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program offers free assistance to filers with household incomes under $50,000 who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteer students will also help filers with any special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly.

Returns will be electronically submitted to the IRS at no cost. To electronically file a joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. Tax filers can expect to receive any tax refunds within 7 to 14 days in most cases.

Taxpayers should bring a government-issued photo identification, Social Security cards and birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return, income and tax forms (W-2, 1099, pension, Social Security), information on property taxes or any rent paid, any IRS notices, a copy of last year’s tax return, amount paid for child care and child care provider’s tax ID number, any college tuition statement or college bookstore receipts, and a blank or cancelled check if direct deposit is desired.

The IRS provides the computer software used to prepare the tax returns. Volunteers complete an IRS training and certification course in income tax return preparation. Training includes how to set up a tax preparation office, interact with clients, and prepare individual returns. Special training is provided to help older Americans with the proper method of reporting pension and Social Security income. Students are also enrolled in an independent study accounting course and receive college credits.

Each return is reviewed. Students must complete a verification checklist before submitting the return electronically. At the end of the program, the students will evaluate their efforts and make recommendations for future programs.