Concord University accounting students will prepare income tax returns for qualifying area residents again this year. This is the fourth year that Concord has served as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program site.
The VITA program offers free income tax return preparation and electronic filing for senior citizens, persons who make less than $53,000 per year, and other qualifying individuals. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The students volunteering with the program have been trained and are IRS certified to prepare tax returns. Students are also qualified to answer questions about the Affordable Care Act.
“Last year, 17 students completed 314 tax returns, filing for federal refunds of $269,982 for area residents,” Dr. Cynthia Khanlarian, associate professor of accounting, said.
Income tax preparation assistance will be available on Concord’s Athens campus on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Feb. 2 and continuing until March 30. Please note that no service will be provided on Monday, March 16 due to Spring Break. Taxes will also be prepared on Wednesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Concord’s VITA volunteers will also be at the Commission on Aging in Princeton on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Certain eligibility requirements apply and appointments are necessary. To verify eligibility and to schedule an appointment to meet with a VITA volunteer, call Concord’s Division of Business office at 304-384-5244.
