Friday, March 18, 2011

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is offering free tax assistance for taxpayers who qualify. The VITA program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns.

Simple tax returns will be done free of charge in Cameron Hall Room 231 on the following dates and times:
Mar. 22, 4 to 7 p.m.
Mar. 25, 2 to 6 p.m.
Mar. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 7, 4 to 7 p.m.
Apr. 8, 2 to 6 p.m.
Apr. 11, 5 to 7 p.m.

Program volunteers are students in UNCW's accountancy and business law programs and members of the university's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, a national accounting and information systems fraternity. They are trained to help qualified taxpayers with special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, when preparing their tax returns. In addition to the free tax preparation assistance, the VITA web site offers free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program often receive refunds in half the time compared to paper filing.

For tax assistance, individuals should bring the following items with them:

• Proof of identification with photo
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Current year's tax package if you received one
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year's federal and state returns if available
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number
• To file electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

For more information, call 910.962.3509.

Media are welcome to attend a session and cover this valuable community service provided by UNC Wilmington students. Interviews with student volunteers and faculty advisor can be arranged.

Media Contact:
Dana Fischetti, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu