BHSU accounting students to provide free income tax preparation

Accounting students at Black Hills State University will provide free income tax preparation to eligible individuals through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This is the 26th year BHSU has provided this service to the community.

Black Hills State University accounting students will provide free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This is the 26th year BHSU students have provided this service to the community.

Robin Meyerink, accounting instructor at BHSU and a certified public accountant (CPA), said the VITA program at BHSU began in 1991 when she was a senior accounting student.

"It is exciting to see how VITA has grown and that it is still going strong 26 years later," said Meyerink. "The taxpayers who come to VITA deserve the credit for taking part in this valuable project that enhances the education of our students."

The 13 students enrolled in the BHSU Advanced Income Tax course this semester will prepare the tax returns. Meyerink says VITA gives students hands-on tax preparation experience while they acquire soft skills through interactions with the public.

"I can't express how much we appreciate the participation of Spearfish and the surrounding communities in this service," said Meyerink. "It is a wonderful relationship the tax payers receive a service at no charge, and the students receive an authentic educational experience."

VITA will be held every Monday and Wednesday beginning Feb. 27 through March 29 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Jonas Hall room 205 on the BHSU campus in Spearfish. No appointments, walk-ins only. The site will be closed March 6 and 8 for spring break. VITA provides free income tax return preparation to taxpayers earning $54,000 or less annually, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.