Brenau University, others receive money from IRS to improve volunteer tax filing program

Brenau University is part of a local coalition that received a grant from the Internal Revenue Service to help low-income Georgians file better tax returns.

 

Brenau students from the Gainesville campus play a part in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and now the students helping with those returns will see expanded services thanks to the grant.

 

The $22,000 grant aims to improve the quality of tax returns submitted and increase the number of electronically filed returns, and the funding will be used to extend VITA services to Georgians living in rural parts of the state and to those with limited English proficiency through the addition of online services.

 

“Working with VITA is a great learning opportunity for Brenau business and accounting students,” said Denise Smith, accounting program director and associate professor in the Brenau College of Business and Communication. “It’s a lot of work, but it is very rewarding.”

 

The coalition includes Brenau University, Gainesville Business Assistance, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, the Georgia Credit Union and Action Ministries, but covers the entire state. The group expects to submit over 1,000 returns electronically this year.

 

Assistance is available to Georgians in the Gainesville area each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during tax season at the Community Service Center at 430 Prior Street, S.E. in Gainesville. For less waiting, a virtual drop-off/pickup of returns is available on Monday and Friday afternoons between 2-5 p.m.

Households with an annual gross income of $57,000 or less are eligible to take advantage of VITA services. Appointments are not required by can be scheduled by calling 770-535-7066.

 

On average, it's estimated that families who take advantage of the VITA program will save on average $300 per return over those who prepare returns themselves.