With tax season in full swing, Accounting students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle are offering volunteer tax assistance services to campus and community members.
To gain hands-on learning experience and offer an important service to their fellow students and the community, Accounting students are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program allows these student volunteers to prepare individuals’ income tax returns (both federal and state) and electronically file them at no charge, according to UMPI Business Management Professor Patric Edward. All students participating in the program have undergone training, and passed the qualifying IRS examinations.
Individuals can obtain these services at UMPI by visiting Room 201 of the campus Library during the following dates and times:
– Wednesday, March 25 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Friday, March 27 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Wednesday, April 1 3 to 7 p.m.
– Friday, April 3 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Friday, April 10 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The VITA program, which originated with the Tax Reform Act of 1969 and is administered by the Internal Revenue Service, offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals who cannot afford professional assistance, according to an IRS fact sheet. There are currently more than 40,000 volunteers participating in the VITA tax preparation program
“Though we are prepared to help anyone who comes in, please note that the service is designed to benefit those earning $42,000 or less,” Edward said.
Students participating in the VITA program at UMPI include: Buddy Robinson, West Paris; Rachel Graves, Mars Hill; Janelle Desmond, Westfield; Lauren Sullivan, Presque Isle; Alex Cheney, Presque Isle; Brandon Carlow, Easton; Lance Masse, Limestone; Ashley Monroe, Woodland; and Jason Harper, Presque Isle.
Individuals who utilize these services should bring the following items with them in order to get their tax returns processed: a driver’s license or photo ID; social security card or individual tax identification number for each person included in the tax return; W-2 forms; and bank routing and account numbers for refunds. If filing jointly, spouses must be present. Please note that, depending on the individual situation, other information, documentation or forms may need to be provided.
For further information, contact Edward at patric.edward@maine.edu or call Linda McLaughlin at 768-9740.