Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), University of Southern Indiana students in the Romain College of Business provide free federal and state income tax preparation.
In VITA programs, the Internal Revenue Service partners with national and local organizations to provide tax services to individuals with low-to-moderate income at no cost to the taxpayer. Students in Accounting 390 will interview and prepare the taxes of those taxpayers who make an appointment for the service. VITA sites do not prepare Schedule C business forms or Schedule E rental forms. Federal and state tax returns are prepared at the time of the appointment, and all taxpayers must be available to sign their returns. Preparation of returns typically takes 90 minutes to two hours to complete.
Individuals are required to bring their tax information, photo identification cards and Social Security cards for themselves and any dependents. International students must bring their passports and visas as well. The IRS encourages electronic filing and returns will be filed electronically for those who are eligible.
USI students provide tax preparation for more than 100 taxpayers each season. Announcements are made each spring when individuals may call to schedule an appointment.