Free Tax Filing Assistance!!!!!

Once again, the Ivy Tech accounting students are offering free tax assistance as VITA Volunteers. I myself was a VITA volunteer while I was in law school, so the program is near and dear to my heart. You, as a student, are undoubtedly eligible, and they, as VITA Volunteers, are well trained. What more do you need to know?

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

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - (January 27, 2017) IRS-certified Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette accounting students and United Way volunteers will provide free tax help to qualified income tax filers beginning February 3. Filing federal and state tax returns now will help students meet the March 10 FAFSA filing deadline for financial aid.

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 $65,000 who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Students will also help filers with any special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly.

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 12-18.

This year the VITA office will offer limited drop-off services. Tax filers will be required to complete an intake form and will receive a call when their returns are ready. Same-day service is not available. The office will be open Tuesdays, Noon – 3:00 pm and 5:30 – 9:00 pm; Thursdays, Noon – 3:00 pm; Fridays, Noon – 8:00 pm; and Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon.

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 or passport, Social Security cards and birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return, income and deductible related documents (W-2, 1099, pension, Social Security), 1095-A if health insurance was purchased through the ACA marketplace, 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.

Last year, Ivy Tech students and volunteers helped over 500 low-to-moderate income families receive $733,000 in aggregate federal and state refunds and helped local taxpayers save an estimated $103,000 in tax preparation fees. The total financial impact on the community totaled $836,000. Ivy Tech accounting students gained valuable real-world experience in tax accounting and managing an office.