NSU-BA partners with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa & VITA to offer free tax services
BROKEN ARROW, Okla.— Northeastern State University Broken Arrow has partnered with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to offer free tax preparation services to NSU and surrounding communities.
“This year, we are excited to announce that we are continuing our collaboration with Goodwill of Tulsa to expand our location’s ability to serve the community further,” NSU Assistant Professor of Accounting, Amber Whisenhunt, said. “The VITA program is one of NSU’s most valuable community services. For many community members, their tax refund is the largest amount of cash they receive yearly. VITA allows them to avoid paying a large amount of their refund to commercial tax preparation services. Clients should expect the same quality service and routine as in past years.”
The tax preparation services begin on Feb. 3 and will conclude on April 13, except when closed during Spring Break, March 16 - 24. For those individuals who qualify as having low-to-moderate income ($70,000 and below), certified and trained volunteers will be available by appointment to prepare basic tax returns on both the state and federal levels.
The VITA Lab at NSU-Broken Arrow is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first floor of the NSUBA Administration building.
“VITA volunteers are trained extensively,” Whisenhunt said. “Also, all tax returns are quality reviewed by one other preparer before they are submitted, which helps maintain accuracy rates higher than 95 percent.”
Those seeking assistance with tax preparation should come prepared with the following:
- Photo identification (Bring a copy also)
- Physical copy of Social Security Card for you, your spouse, and dependents and/or Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration (Bring a
copy also)
- Birth dates of you, your spouse and dependents
- Wage and earnings statements, Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
- A personal check with your bank routing number and account number for direct deposit
- Payment made to daycare providers, including tax identification number of the daycare provider (provider’s Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number)
- All documents issued that state “furnished to the IRS.”
- Any documents that deal with health insurance coverage, 1095-A, 1099-SSA, exemption certificates, etc.
- Information pertaining to the amount of Economic Impact Payments received.
To file taxes electronically for “married filing joint” tax returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Alternatively, individuals with an income of $79,000 and less who would like to file their own returns electronically can do so at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.
Appointments can be made by calling 918-449-6560 or online at https://www.picktime.com/gwt. All participants should attempt to make an appointment, but walk-ins will be allowed if time permits. For more information, contact Whisenhunt at 918-449-6517 or whisen05@nsuok.edu.
