Are you looking for assistance in preparing your tax return this season? Bentley students are offering free tax return preparation for Waltham residents and surrounding communities through April 9, 2016, with the exception of spring break, March 12 to 19.
This is the 17th consecutive year Bentley is offering the service through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Both undergraduate and masters in accounting degree students offer their expertise to those in need, particularly to the elderly, low and limited income taxpayers, and individuals with disabilities.
"VITA allows Bentley students to not only apply their technical knowledge of tax to real world experiences, but it offers a channel for students to give back to their surrounding community,” says Julie Keedy ’16.
The program is offered through Bentley’s Service-Learning Center (BSLC), which promotes academic learning and development through community service. The BSLC believes that students’ community involvement outside of the classroom contributes significantly to what they learn in the class room.
“As an accounting major, I wasn’t sure which area of the profession I wanted to go into,” says Taylor Sweeney ’16. “The VITA program offered me the opportunity to have hands on experience in preparing taxes and it was because of this exposure that I decided to pursue a specialization in taxation as I embark on my career.”
The VITA program is held in Morison Hall, Room 101 on the Bentley campus at 175 Forest Street, Waltham starting February 13. Students are available to prepare returns on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tax returns are done on a first come, first served basis. Please note that services do not include preparing tax returns with rental income/expenses; Schedule C—Income from a sole proprietorship; or a return with more than five security transactions.
Residents should bring:
• Proof of all income (including bank interest)
• A copy of last year's Federal (Form 1040) and State tax returns, if available
• All forms W-2, 1099 and any other tax documents received for 2013.
• Mass Health or Medicaid card (if applicable)
• Proof of Health Insurance form from your health provider for MA tax form.
• Social Security or ITIN cards for you, spouse and all dependents.
Residents and community organizations seeking more information about this program should call (781) 891- 2417 or email ga_vita@bentley.edu.
To learn more about Bentley’s Service Learning Center click here.