The University of North Georgia says students pursuing an accounting degree at the Mike Cottrell College of Business will build their tax preparation skills by aiding the community file taxes through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS.
According to a press release, the program helps over 100 taxpayers each filing season.
The tax preparation services are offered for free by appointment from 4- 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on February 2. The service will be available until March 2. The service is located in room 153 of the newly opened Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Lisa Nash, a certified public accountant and UNG senior lecturer of accounting, continues to oversee the tax preparation services.
"Students get to grow both their soft skills and their technical knowledge, and our community members get knowledgeable assistance in preparing their tax returns," Dr. Ellen Best, department head of accounting and law, said. "The skills our students grow during their participation in VITA help them in turn to be better professionals when they go out into the workplace."
VITA offers free tax services to people who generally make $60,000 or less. Students prepare 1040 forms with schedules A, B, C-EZ, and D, along with basic tax credits. Federal and state returns are prepared for free while taxpayers are present. Nash reviews all returns with the taxpayers before she files them electronically with direct deposit available, if desired.
The students, under Nash's direction, are certified by testing through the IRS.
Esther Rizo, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting, said participation in VITA offers multiple benefits.
"I am looking forward to making connections and helping the elderly in the community by assisting them with their tax returns and answering any tax questions they may have. My goal is to make sure that every client I interact with has a good experience and continues to come back year after year to the VITA program," Rizo said. "By being a part of the VITA program, I hope to gain tax experience that will help me decide if the tax side of accounting is a good fit for me."
The site will also be offering an online, facilitated, self-assist program where taxpayers can prepare their own tax returns with the oversight assistance of the VITA volunteers. For more information on the self-assist option or to schedule an appointment on campus, call 706-867-3082 or email [email protected]. Before going to your appointment, taxpayers are encouraged to review the IRS website for a list of items to bring with them.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2023/1/1162299/ung-accounting-students-to-offer-tax-assistance