Bentley University students will once again offer free tax return preparation for residents of Waltham, Massachusetts, and surrounding communities, from February 13 through April 8 (with the exception of Spring Break, March 6-13). This is the twelfth consecutive year Bentley has offered this service through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Residents and community organizations seeking more information about this valuable program, please call 781.891.2714 or e-mail afreed@bentley.edu.

Both undergraduate and graduate accounting students offer their expertise, particularly to the elderly, low and limited income taxpayers, and individuals with disabilities. Tax returns are done on a first come, first served basis. Services do not include tax returns with rental income/expenses or Schedule C - income from a sole proprietorship.

The VITA program is held in Morison Hall, Room 101 on the Bentley campus at 175 Forest Street. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that sessions will not be held during Spring Break, March 6-13. 

Residents should bring:

• This year's tax package and/or label
• A copy of last year's tax return
• All forms, W-2 and 1099 for 2009 (if available), health care provider EIN number, personal health insurance medical number, and a W-4 form or recent pay stub

The VITA Program is offered through Bentley's Service-Learning Center (BSLC), which promotes academic learning and development through service. BSLC believes that students' community involvement outside of the classroom contributes significantly to what they learn within it.  All participating students are required to pass the IRS VITA certification exam before being accepted into the VITA program.

Directions to Bentley University are available by calling 781.891.2100 or on the web at http://www.bentley.edu/about/directions.