Daemen University accounting students will once again offer free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting February 7.
The tax prep services will be available by appointment only to local residents with annual incomes up to $70,000.
“Students participating in VITA interview clients, review their tax documents, and prepare returns while interacting with the client,” said Grace Huff, CPA, director of the Accounting Program and assistant professor of accounting.
Huff, who leads the VITA program in Daemen’s Alfiero School of Business, said students must pass Income Tax Theory (ACC 318) and an exam required by the IRS.
“The hands-on experience helps to cement what they have learned in their tax class,” Huff added. “Students often tell me they wish every accounting class could include an experiential learning component like this.”
Appointments will be available on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. in the university’s Business Building. To make an appointment, call 211 and list for the VITA tax program prompt.
Clients will need to bring their social security card, driver’s license, W-2s, 1099 forms, prior year’s tax returns, and other tax-related documentation.