The Cameron School of Business is proud to once again offer free tax assistance as part of an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsored program known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). VITA provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with free income tax preparation assistance through IRS certified volunteers.
 
The program, created more than 40 years ago by Gary Iskowitz at Cal State University at Northridge, was intended to provide local taxpayers with free tax assistance by accounting students, providing both a service to the community and powerful hands-on learning for accounting students. Today, VITA is a nationwide program serving millions of taxpayers each year.
 
Many low- and moderate-income taxpayers do not have access to quality, affordable tax preparation services. Under the VITA program, IRS-certified volunteers not only assist taxpayers in correctly filing their federal and state income tax returns, but also ensure that taxpayers take advantage of all the tax credits and deductions available to them, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Education Tax Credits and the Dependent and Child Care Tax Credit.
 
To volunteer for the VITA program, UNCW accounting students complete an introductory income tax course; receive additional IRS training; and pass IRS certification exams. Students then assist taxpayers in filing their returns, taking what they have learned in class and applying it to real-life clients and situations.
 
For the 2015 filing season, the VITA program at UNCW is available to taxpayers who earn less than $62,000. These taxpayers can prepare and electronically file their federal and up to three state income tax returns using free tax software we provide. Taxpayers seeking assistance should bring their Social Security card, photo identification, their tax documents, and when possible, a copy of their prior year tax return.
 
UNCW’s VITA services will be available at the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship building located at 803-G S. College Road. Walk-in hours are available:

• Saturday, February 20: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, March 5: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday March 16: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, March 19: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday March 30: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 2: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday April 6: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, April 9: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.