CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- Free income tax preparation services will soon be available for many people, thanks to a group of =九游体育 Illinois University Carbondale students.
, a聽College of Business and Analytics聽honors accounting student organization, is sponsoring the popular, free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in 2021 for low- and moderate-income community members.
鈥淏eing a participant in VITA allows students to gain beneficial knowledge and hands-on experience as well as offering valuable tax assistance to the community,鈥� said Allison Bone, a聽master of accountancy聽student from Lincoln, Illinois, who is serving as the 2021 VITA program coordinator.
Free tax preparation assistance will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, from March 6 through April 3, in the computer lab on the lower level of Rehn Hall, 1025 Lincoln Drive.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, state and campus safety precautions will be adhered to. Protocols include a limit of 50 people in the tax clinic at any given time and the requirement that all present wear masks.
Who qualifies?
The services are available to any U.S. citizen whether single or married, as long as their income does not exceed $57,000 and they take the standard federal deduction.
The students will prepare tax returns that involve:
- 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.
Unfortunately, they will be unable to prepare tax returns for people who are not U.S. citizens or tax returns that involve:
- Schedule C with losses.
- Complicated capital gains and losses (Schedule D).
- Nondeductible IRA (Form 8606).
- Minor鈥檚 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.
What to bring
In order to take advantage of the free tax preparation, people should bring all of the necessary documentation. That includes legal identification, such as a driver鈥檚 license or passport, and Social Security cards and birth dates (for spouse and dependents, if applicable, too).
In addition, bring tax documents including: all official wage, earning, interest and dividend statements and copies of last year鈥檚 state and federal tax returns, if available. Those claiming a child care credit will also need to bring the day care provider鈥檚 tax identification number (either Social Security number or business employer identification number) and amount paid for child care. Bring a blank check or other proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit if you anticipate receiving a tax refund.
Fast work and filing included
VITA services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. However, people may be asked to return later or the following week if necessary to ensure public safety or to allow sufficient time for the tax preparation.
Note that when married couples are filing a joint return, both must be present to sign the required forms. Most returns are completed in about an hour or less. Free e-filing is included with the tax preparation.
