The University of Idaho College of Law and College of Business and Economics are teaming up to provide free tax help for qualifying UI students and the Moscow community, courtesy of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
The VITA program is an IRS sponsored program that offers free tax assistance for individuals making an income of $52,000 or less. The program started on Feb. 15, and will continue through April 14 every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In order to get tax assistance, qualifying individuals will need a valid ID and Social Security card, as well as necessary tax forms such as the W-2 or the 1099. A complete list of necessary documents are available on the IRS website.
International students at UI do not qualify for the VITA program said Eric Nielson, a co-president heading the VITA program at UI. However, international students can receive tax help at the International Programs Office in the Living Learning Community.
Nielson said that six or seven accounting graduate students and one of the co-presidents of the VITA program at UI will be available to help qualifying individuals with their taxes. The program will be held in room 107 of the Menard Law Building.
All program volunteers have IRS approved training. Volunteers will provide basic tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals, and can also inform taxpayers about special tax credits they may qualify for, such as Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
“The service benefits the community, and the experience of filing people’s taxes is valuable to accounting students and law students before they graduate,” Nielson said.
Linda Kiss is the supervisor for the VITA program at UI, and the VITA liaison between UI and the IRS. She said between 150 and 200 people show up on a yearly basis to receive tax assistance, depending on how well the program is advertised. She said the program is advertised by posters around campus, as well as business cards distributed by law students. She also said many individuals hear of the program through word of mouth.
“I wish more people did know about it, it’s a great place to get your taxes done for free,” Kiss said. “As soon as you walk out the door, we’re e-filing your taxes.”
The VITA program was originally founded in 1971 by Gary Ishkowitz of California State University-Northridge. Since its adoption by the IRS, thousands of VITA program sites have been established throughout the U.S. in universities, community centers, libraries and many other locations.
Nielson said many UI staff and faculty got their taxes done with the VITA program in mid-February, and the number of people coming to receive assistance has dwindled since that initial rush. However, he said he does expect many more UI students and community members to attend as the program nears the April 15 cutoff date.
“[We] prefer them to come in earlier, but we’re willing to help whenever they do come in, as much as we can,” Nielson said.
George Wood Jr. can be reached at [email protected]