| Accounting students at Black
Hills State University will be available to help area
residents with income tax preparation assistance through
the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The
student tax assistance program will be available Feb. 14
through April 17. The student tax preparers will be at
David B. Miller Student Union multipurpose room (2nd
floor) Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.,
excluding national holidays.
VITA offers free assistance to those with special
needs, including persons with disabilities, and older
taxpayers who file Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or a basic
Form 1040 federal tax return. VITA volunteers also alert
taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which
they may be eligible.
Taxpayers who visit a VITA site should bring this
year's tax package, wage and earnings statement (Form
W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks
(Form 1099), a copy of last year's tax return, if
available, and other relevant information about income,
and expenses.
Dr. Larry Cozort, assistant professor of accounting at
BHSU and VITA coordinator, has nine student volunteers
participating in this year's VITA program. The
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student volunteers have
completed the individual income tax course at BHSU,
passed an IRS test on individual income taxation, and
attended an IRS training session. The BH accounting
professor noted that his year, for the first time,
returns will be filed electronically.
Cozort reminds the public that VITA is a self-help
program. Student volunteers are only expected to help
with basic tax forms and with basic deductions. They are
not expected to do complicated returns such as those with
Schedule C businesses and complex or numerous sales and
exchanges of property. The students are giving their time
to help people in the community with their basic tax
returns, particularly the elderly, handicapped, and
students. There is no charge for this service.
Students participating in the VITA program are Scott
Biggin, Spearfish; Kathryn Fanning, Spearfish; Ryan
Maher, Isabel; Dylan Wilde, Lake Preston; Deborah
Penning, Sundance, Wyo.; Amy Sharkey, Spearfish; Michael
Solano, Rapid City; Michelle Pravecek, Winner; and Joseph
Otter, Faulkton.
For additional information on the VITA program,
contact Larry Cozort, VITA coordinator at 642-6869.
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