Free Tax Assistance from Clayton State University School of Business Accounting Students, February 19

Accounting students from Clayton State University have been busy reviewing all the tax law changes for 2010; that’s because they are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program hosted by the University’s School of Business, that provides free tax support for certain eligible taxpayers.

For the 2011 tax season, this service will be offered at the Clayton School of Business on the following Saturdays; Feb. 19, Feb. 26, Mar. 19 and Mar. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Taxpayers will be assisted on a first come, first serve basis. If taxpayers have further questions they may call the VITA hotline at (678) 466-4527.

VITA has been in existence for 37 years, and provides volunteers with extensive IRS training and testing. The volunteers can then ensure that taxpayers will have their tax returns filled out accurately and timely and receive the tax credits they qualify for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Students can also benefit from having VITA volunteers prepare their taxes because the volunteers are trained in the recent changes to the credits available for tuition and other school-related expenses. The VITA program also prepares state income tax returns and provides free e-filing options to ensure clients receive their refunds as soon as possible.

Those interested in receiving this assistance must bring the following items:

• photo identification,
• social security cards for themselves, their spouse, and dependents,
• birthdates,
•  wage and earnings statements from all employers,
• interest and dividend statements,
• other relevant information about income and expenses including day care expenses,
• a copy of last year’s federal and state income tax returns if possible,
• bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.

Please note that both spouses will need to be present to file electronically.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.