The School of Business will once again be offering free tax assistance at SUNY New Paltz as part of an Internal Revenue Services (IRS) sponsored program known as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).
The VITA program was established 20 years ago as a means of providing volunteers to prepare income tax returns for people who earn less than $49,000 a year for free.
The program was brought to New Paltz last year to help locals with lower incomes prepare their tax return forms. During the spring 2010 semester, the 23 students involved prepared over 100 tax returns using the skills they’ve learned in their classes.
“The program allows them to take the theory they have learned in their tax and accounting classes and apply it to real life clients and situations,” said Assistant Professor of Finance and Accounting Don Furman. “[It’s] a great resume builder.”
Furman also said 32 students are involved in VITA this year, who he hopes will complete 200 plus returns as well as providing free electronic filings.
To be eligible for tax help, a potential client has to meet the requirement of having an income below $49,000. Those looking to receive assistance should bring their social security card, picture identification, VISA cards (if applicable), their informational documents (W-2 and 1099 forms) and their last year’s tax return and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit to Room 115A in Van Den Berg Hall.
Walk-in hours will be held Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays from 12 to 8 p.m. as well as Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m. until April 15.