Student tax preparers offer free service to community

  Wednesday, March 14, 2012 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Business students at Pittsburg State University will provide an important service to the community this spring when they continue the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Known as VITA, the free service is offered to qualifying community members with an annual household income of less than $49,000. Pittsburg State students, domestic and international, as well as retired persons are also welcome to have their taxes prepared.

Gail Yarick, a faculty member in the Department of Accounting and Computer Information Systems, said the long-running annual program not only benefits members of the community, but also provides valuable experience for ACIS majors. Although PSU students of any major can apply to become a tax preparer through VITA, all volunteers must pass an exam and receive a certification first.

"This gives students a chance to use and apply the tax knowledge they're learning in their classes," said Yarick, adding that the tax preparation volunteers are largely members of Beta Alpha Psi, a business honors society. "Employers are impressed that these students have some kind of knowledge of tax preparation software. Many of them are accounting majors, and this is possibly something they will do as a career."

Yarick said many students have found internships and jobs after volunteering for VITA.

"It is really benefitting them in their search for employment," she said.

VITA will run from Feb. 15 through April 13 in Kelce Hall, Room 209. During those weeks, student tax preparers will be available on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. Appointments are not necessary. Students will also e-file tax returns free of charge.

---Pitt State---