NSU Students Offer Free Tax Preparation

TAHLEQUAH - The Northeastern State University Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free income tax preparation for low income and elderly taxpayers, has already helped hundreds of members of the Tahlequah community since its inception over a decade ago.

The VITA program, offered by NSU for the past ten years, will again provide assistance throughout this year\'d5s tax season.

"There are a number of reasons for the increased demand," said Dr. John Yeutter, assistant professor of Accounting and VITA Coordinator. "The state of Oklahoma changed the tax forms, eliminating the State EZ form. This has made state taxes more complicated for some."

VITA, sponsored by both NSU and the Internal Revenue Service, is a free public service to families with a household income of less than $30,000. This includes NSU students, staff, and the Cherokee County community.

The VITA program will take advantage of the "e-filing" system. Using e-file software eliminates many of the errors associated with paper returns, and with IRS e-file, taxpayers can receive their tax refund sooner than if they mailed their returns.

VITA is open to help eligible community members every Monday through Wednesday, beginning January 30, from 3:15 to 6 p.m. in the Business and Technology Building, room 121. The Business and Technology Building is located on the NSU campus at the corner of Grand and Garrison Avenues. The VITA program will temporarily close during the University's spring break scheduled for March 18 through March 22.

Anyone interested in the VITA services should bring their W-2s, 1099s, and information concerning other income, as well as information for deductions or credits, Social Security numbers for all members of the household, and a copy of last year's tax return.

1/24/2006

Published: 2006-01-24 00:00:00