Programs offer multiple sites, options for low-income taxpayers
As part of the public affairs mission at Missouri State University, students from the School of Accountancy will help taxpayers this year through three programs for free tax preparation. About 50 accounting students each year are trained and IRS certified before volunteering.
The students “volunteer to provide tax assistance because they enjoy putting their accounting skills to work for others. In the process, they also gain real-world experience working with clients,” says Dr. Kerri Tassin, director of the MSU Low Income Tax Clinic. Help with 2012 tax returns will be available through April 14 at scheduled times in Glass Hall on campus and at locations around Springfield.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is open to taxpayers with household incomes of less than $51,000 per year, older adults and taxpayers who speak English as a second language. A list of times and locations for walk-in assistance is available on the Public Service Tax Clinics website. Taxpayers may also call 2-1-1 or (800) 427-4626 for information. To schedule an appointment, call (417) 864-0030.
The Low Income Tax Clinic is designed for people with an annual household income of $28,725 or less. For a list of income levels accepted based on family members per household, visit http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/13poverty.cfm and multiply by 250 percent. The LITC offers help for special tax concerns including issues with prior tax returns, liens or levies, compromises, “currently not collectible” status, or understanding letters from the IRS. Call (417) 836-3007 for an appointment.
The VITA and LITC programs are made possible through assistance from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, BKD and many community partners. For more information, call Dr. Sandra Byrd at (417) 836-4181.
The School of Accountancy also offers My Free Taxes, which allows people to complete their own tax return online with assistance from MSU students. Eligibility for this program requires an annual household income of less than $57,000. The program helps people get their refunds in a more secure and timely manner than paper filing. No appointment is needed. The link for My Free Taxes can be found on the School of Accountancy website.