Rowan students offer free tax preparation assistance through VITA program

Rowan students offer free tax preparation assistance through VITA program

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February 12, 2016
Tax time: Rowan accounting majors (from left) Parth Patel and Zachary Bradian work on the tax return of Mercedes Burns of West Deptford during the 36th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, presented by the Rohrer College of Business.

Through April 13, specially trained and certified Rowan University business majors will offer free tax help to qualified area residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

The VITA program provides free federal and state income tax preparation and e-filing services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers who are unable to prepare their own returns. Taxpayers who earn $54,000 or less are eligible for the service.

Excluding March 14-19, tax preparation will be offered on the following days and times in Seminar Room 136 of Rowan’s Campbell Library, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro:

Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

No appointments are accepted and those seeking the assistance are helped on first-come, first-serve basis.

Area residents who wish to take advantage of the VITA program should bring the following information with them: last year’s federal and state tax returns; Social Security cards for everyone claimed on returns (spouses, children, etc.); and photo identification (a valid driver’s license or other government-issued identification).

Last year, Rowan students assisted approximately 400 area residents through the VITA program.

The VITA program, which has been offered at Rowan for 36 years, is presented in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service.

The University also is a MyFreeTaxes partner for the 2016 tax season. Taxpayers unable to visit campus or those wishing to prepare their own returns can, if eligible, take advantage of the program at http://www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes/.

For information, contact Margaret Van Brunt, vanbrunt@rowan.edu or 856-256-4047.