Free tax return preparation services
Anna Altwies, ESU Media Relations
Originally published 02:57 p.m., February 28, 2008
Updated 02:57 p.m., February 28, 2008
Emporia State’s annual Free Tax Return Service sponsored by VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, will continue through Tax Day April 15.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. anyone who has a simple return within the income limits is eligible for the service; students, faculty, staff and community members are all welcome to use it.
“The service is available to low-income taxpayers—generally less than $40,000 annual joint or separate income,” said Alexis Downs, associate professor of accounting and information services. “We prepare returns for U.S. citizens and international students and faulty. We cannot prepare returns for the self-employed or for taxpayers with investments in stock or real estate.”
The pattern throughout the past few years has been that VITA’s busiest times are the weeks at the beginning of when the service is offered, and then as Tax Day approaches.
Downs said it is beneficial for ESU to offer this service because it’s more likely that people will file their tax returns if there’s no cost in preparing the return.
“Tax compliance increases if taxpayers can comply without paying too much for the service,” she said. Currently, many taxpayers are paying excessive tax preparation fees to paid preparers because the taxpayers want ‘instant’ refunds.”
Marlene Goentzel, graduate assistant, agreed. She said not only is it important that ESU offers it, but in general it is important for free services to be offered. “Most low income individuals cannot afford to have their return done by a professional service,” said Goentzel. “The professional services also offer loan services that are expensive when the refund can be available through direct deposit in a matter of 10 days to two weeks.”
Taxpayers wishing to take advantage of the VITA service should bring their W-2 and 1099 forms, Social Security cards for each individual listed on the tax return, passports, visas, and other appropriate paperwork.
For more information on the VITA tax preparation service at ESU, call 341-5346 or 341-5086.
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