Students from Clayton State University are again participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program hosted by the College of Business.
VITA is a national program that provides tax support for certain eligible taxpayers. This program, which has been in existence for 40-plus years, provides volunteers with extensive IRS training and testing. The volunteers can then ensure that taxpayers will have their tax returns filled out accurately and timely and receive the tax credits they qualify for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Students can also benefit from having VITA volunteers prepare their taxes because the volunteers are trained in the rules for the credits available for tuition and other school-related expenses. The VITA program also prepares state income tax returns and provides free e-filing options to ensure clients receive their refunds as soon as possible.
Clayton State University is proud to be the only university in the state of Georgia that has successfully participated in the VITA program for 26 consecutive years. Our highly trained volunteers are eager to begin working with the public in order to make their tax preparation experience stress-free.
Professor Judith Ogden, faculty member, who is spending her eleventh year with VITA at Clayton State, and her eighteenth year with VITA nationwide, enjoys working with the program. “It gives our students hands-on experience, and provides a valuable service to the public. We have taxpayers who return every year.”
Those who are eligible to receive this service are taxpayers who make under $54,000 a year and wish to receive help with their 2014 personal income taxes using Forms 1040EZ, 1040A, and simple 1040s. The program does not provide assistance with out-of-state or small business returns, or for those who are self-employed.
This service will be offered at the Clayton State College of Business on the following Saturdays: Feb. 6, 13, 20, and 27, and March 19 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Taxpayers will be assisted on a first come, first serve basis.
If taxpayers have further questions they may call the VITA hotline at 678-466-4527.
Those interested in receiving this assistance must bring the following items:
Photo identification.
Social security cards for themselves, their spouse, and dependents.
Birthdates for primary, secondary, and dependents on the tax return.
Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1009-R, from all employers.
Interest and dividend statements from bank(s), Form 1099.
Other relevant information about income and expenses.
Day care provider identifying number.
Total amount paid for day care.
A copy of last year’s federal and state income tax returns if possible.
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
Please note that both spouses will need to be present to file electronically.
