CARBONDALE (SIU NEWS) – Free income tax preparation services will soon be available to community members and students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, courtesy of a group of specially trained volunteers.
Beta Alpha Psi, a College of Business and Analytics honors accounting student organization, is again offering the popular, free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to low- and moderate-income community members and students.
“VITA is a program that provides benefits for everyone involved,” said Patience Doerner, a junior accounting student from Herrin, Illinois, who serves as VITA co-chair with Hannah Theivagt, a senior accounting major from Greenfield, Illinois. “As student volunteers, we gain valuable real-world experience preparing returns and speaking with clients, and our community receives free, accurate tax services. VITA isn’t just about filing taxes – it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives and giving back to the community in a meaningful way.”
Program kicks off March 1
The program will be offered on these Saturdays: March 1, March 22, March 29 and April 5 from 8 a.m. to noon in the computer lab on the lower level of Rehn Hall, 1025 Lincoln Drive.
In addition, there will be a special session from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 22 specifically to provide tax preparation for SIU students.
Fully trained preparers
The SIU student volunteers have offered the free tax preparation annually for more than 25 years, said Benna Williams, the School of Accountancy program coordinator, associate lecturer, CPA and former tax practitioner who serves as the Beta Alpha Psi adviser.
Each student tax preparer is an IRS-certified volunteer who has successfully completed mandatory ethics and tax examination training. In addition, Doerner and Theivagt participated in advanced training as they prepared to lead a team of about 25 accounting students.
Each student donates considerable time and energy to prepare tax returns, saving qualifying community members and students hundreds of dollars, organizers say.
“VITA is about applying what we’ve learned, giving back to the community and building connections that will last well beyond graduation,” said Theivagt, who also serves as SIU Accounting Society secretary where Doerner is president. “It’s a chance to make a real impact while gaining experience that will shape our future careers.”
Theivagt and Doerner will review completed returns and assist with questions, as well as Williams and other SIU faculty members.
Who qualifies?
The free tax preparation services are available to any U.S. citizen, whether single or married, as long as their income doesn’t exceed $67,000, and they take the standard federal deduction.
The SIU VITA volunteers will prepare tax returns involving:
- Wages/salaries.
- Interest income.
- Dividends received.
- State tax refunds.
- Unemployment benefits.
- IRA distributions.
- Pension income.
- Social Security benefits.
- Simple capital gains or losses.
- Self-employment income.
- Gambling winnings.
- Education credits.
- Earned income credit.
- Child tax credit.
- Limited itemized deductions.
The VITA students can file only domestic returns. However, SIU international students and employees may submit their information to getyourrefund.org/Franklin, another VITA site with international certifications, to get their returns completed for free, Williams said.
The VITA students at SIU also won’t be able to prepare tax returns for people whose returns involve:
- Schedule C with losses.
- Complicated capital gains and losses (Schedule D).
- Nondeductible IRA (Form 8606).
- Minor’s investment income (Form 8615).
- Determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding (Form SS-8).
- Premium tax credits (Parts 4 and 5 of Form 8962).
- Foreign returns.
Don’t forget your state-issued ID, Social Security cards and other required documents
Community members must bring all required documentation, including legal photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID, along with Social Security cards and birth dates (for spouse and dependents as well, if applicable).
In addition, bring all essential tax documents, including all official wage, earnings, interest and dividend statements and copies of the previous year’s state and federal tax returns, if available. Those who claim child care credits should bring the day care provider’s tax identification number (either Social Security number or business employer identification number) and the amount paid for child care. If applicable, people should also bring Letter 6419, which provides information about any Advance Child Tax Credit payments they may have received.
Failing to present all required information and documents, including photo ID and Social Security cards, could result in the VITA volunteers being unable to complete and file the return on-site and/or in the delay or hindrance of payment of any income tax refund, Williams said. In addition, participants should bring a blank check or other proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit if they anticipate receiving a refund.
E-filing is included with tax preparation. Organizers also note that married couples who are filing a joint return must both be present to sign the completed forms.
Fast, confidential service
The VITA services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments required. Anyone who arrives late in the morning or at exceptionally busy times may be asked to return later or on another Saturday if necessary to allow sufficient time to prepare their tax returns. Typically, returns are completed within a couple of hours.
“The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program at SIU’s School of Accountancy is a wonderful opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while making a meaningful impact in the community,” Williams said. “Through this program, we provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to individuals and families in need, reinforcing SIU’s commitment to service and hands-on learning.”
Participants can direct questions to vita@business.siu.edu or 618-453-2289.
