Students assist qualified area residents with income tax preparation through VITA program

Rowan University business students are offering assistance with federal and state income tax preparation for qualified area residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. 

Appointments are now being accepted for the service through Wednesday, April 11. To make an appointment, call 856-256-4024 or email vita@rowan.edu.

The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, people with disabilities and taxpayers with limited English language skills who require assistance in preparing their returns. Through the program, IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

The service is available in Rowan University’s Business Hall, 271 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, on the following days and times: Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. Additionally, the program will be available on two Saturdays, Feb. 24 and April 7, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

There will be no VITA services March 13 and 14 due to spring break.

VITA clients should go to the welcome gate on Route 322 for parking assistance. For directions to the gate, visit https://www.rowan.edu/home/map/about/visiting-rowan/main-glassboro-campus

Taxpayers should bring the following documents to their VITA appointments:

- Photo identification
- Social Security cards and birth dates for the filer, spouse and dependents
- Wage and earning statements from all employers (form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc.)
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Insurance Exception Certificate (if received)
- Copies of last year’s federal and state returns
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Total paid for daycare providers, along with the provider’s tax identification number
- Forms 1095-A, B, and C

In order to file taxes electronically on a married/joint filing return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

The VITA program at Rowan has assisted area residents with their tax returns for 38 years.