Quinnipiac University accounting students will offer free tax preparation services at a series of volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) sessions during this year’s tax season. The services are available to taxpayers earning less than $54,000 per year.
The sessions will take place at the Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine St., Hamden, from 3-8 p.m. every Thursday, fromFeb. 11 to April 14. There will be no session on March 17. Those who are interested can just walk in; no appointments are necessary.
“I am a strong supporter of the VITA program as it is a valuable service learning opportunity for accounting students,” said Darcie Costello, assistant professor of accounting in the School of Business. “Students develop their tax and communication skills while providing an important service to the Hamden community.”
For each session, participants must bring the following documents:
- Proof of identification and birth dates for family members;
- Social Security cards or individual taxpayer ID number for family members;
- Documentation for all income from work, social security or pensions, including W-2, 1099-R and 1099-Misc forms;
- Documentation for all income from interest, dividends and capital gains, including 1099-INT, 1099-DIV and 1099-B forms;
- Total amount paid for mortgage interest and real estate taxes;
- Total amount paid for child and dependent care (must bring day care provider’s address and tax ID number;
- Health insurance exemption certificate, if received;
- All 1095 forms and health insurance statements;
- Other deductions, including property taxes paid to town or city;
- Education expenses and student loan payments;
- Bank routing and account numbers to direct deposit refunds;
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
- To file a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Quinnipiac’s VITA program is part of the United Way of Greater New Haven’s VITA coalition.
For more information, please contact Costello at 203-582-7914 or darcie.costello@quinnipiac.edu.