Students receive specialized training to file returns for those needing assistance. 

Once again, Stetson University students who have been specially trained will prepare income tax returns for individuals and families as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

“Students will be assisting those with a household income of $54,000 or less,” said Bonnie Holloway, visiting lecturer in Accounting. “This is a great way for students to apply the concepts they have learned in class to the real world.”

Student volunteers will prepare returns on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m., now through Apr. 14, in Room 318 of Stetson’s Lynn Business Center in the School of Business Administration, 345 N. Woodland Blvd. in DeLand. Returns will not be prepared during the students’ spring break, Feb. 29-Mar. 4. Returns are prepared by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the United Way by dialing 211 and then selecting option 2; wait for an operator to answer.

“This program serves a need for both the community and the students,” said Holloway. “Local, qualifying families are receiving free tax preparation, and Stetson students gain experience applying accounting concepts to real life, while learning professionalism, courtesy, customer service and communication skills.”

Students must have completed specialized training and passed certifying exams in order to prepare tax returns for the program, which is sponsored by the United Way of Volusia and Flagler counties, Stetson’s Center for Community Engagement and the Accounting Department in the School of Business Administration. VITA also is a service project of Beta Alpha Psi, the honorary association for accounting, finance and information systems students.

To have a return prepared, clients must bring photo IDs, their social security card (not just the number), their tax forms, information about health insurance coverage and other information. If filing jointly, both spouses must be present. Returns are generally filed electronically and refunds should be received within approximately 21 days. VITA volunteers do not prepare returns involving rental properties or income earned abroad.