A student group will be making it easier for University students and community members to file their tax returns.
Beta Alpha Psi, an honors fraternity for financial information professionals, will offer its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for free in Chiles 228 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and again on April 9.
Patrick Meadows, a junior
accounting major and Beta Alpha Psi member, is the coordinator of the program.
“A lot of the time there’ll be certain things that we know about that will reduce your taxable income,” Meadows said. The tax counselors are Beta Alpha Psi members and law students and were trained by AARP members in tax assistance. They will answer questions and assist in preparing federal and Oregon state tax returns for submission.
Helen Gernon, professor and head of the Department of Accounting, said the free assistance is a good opportunity because it’s tough to do taxes without help.
“Unfortunately, our tax law is so complicated that that is usually the case,” Gernon said, adding that people can try to do taxes themselves if they have a simple financial situation, but they may miss some tax credits.
Meadows said the volunteer tax program can also help international students who have been in the United States for an extended period of time and are required to file as a resident.
Those interested in the program should bring their W-2 forms, Social Security cards, state-issued identification, checkbooks and financial statements or any other documents that detail taxable income, including those involving scholarships, grants, stocks and investments. Meadows estimated that the process will take between 15 minutes and one hour. The service can’t accommodate income from other states.
Meadows said this is the program’s fifth year, and next year he hopes to offer sessions every Saturday during tax season.
Any questions should be directed to Meadows by phone at 346-3344.
— Adam Cherry