VITA Men and Women Offer help at Tax Time

For the second year, the Ithaca College Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) team is offering free tax services to all members of the Ithaca College community. Volunteers will give advice and prepare returns, and they can also provide assistance and return preparation for prior-year federal income tax returns. There are no income limitations for this on-campus program.

VITA team members comprise senior accounting majors, each of whom has completed a federal income tax course that incorporates VITA training materials provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Each student has also passed a required exam to earn VITA program certification. Using high-end tax software packages like Taxwise and Intuit-Pro Series, a VITA team of three — a preparer and two reviewers — will work on each return. The returns will take approximately 10 business days to complete, at which time the client will receive a final copy that can be electronically filed with the IRS.

The Ithaca College team is also providing the larger Ithaca community with tax preparation assistance through a VITA site at the downtown Women’s Community Building. Senior citizens and those meeting IRS guidelines for demonstrated financial need are eligible for this free service.

College community members who want tax help or advice can set up an appointment by calling associate professor of accounting Alan Cohen at 274- 3949 or by sending e-mail to acohen@ithaca.edu.