01/24/12 jgm

HAYS, Kan. -- Accounting students at Fort Hays State University will offer free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program in February and March.

Low- to moderate-income citizens ($50,000 and below) are eligible to receive assistance from qualified FHSU students.

Over the past several years, the VITA program has aided hundreds of local taxpayers. VITA volunteers are qualified to prepare Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040; Schedule A (Itemized Deductions); Schedule B (Interest and Dividends); and Schedule EIC (Earned Income Credit). Volunteers are not qualified to do Schedule C (Business Income), Schedule D (Capital Gains), Schedule E (Rent Income & Royalties), Schedule F (Farm Income) or foreign student returns.

Items all taxpayers will need to bring to the VITA site to have a tax return prepared are:

-- Photo identification.

-- Social Security cards and birthdates for themselves, spouses and dependents.

-- Wage and earnings statement: Form W-2, W-2G, 1098 and 1099-R from all employers.

-- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099).

-- A copy of last year's federal and state returns, if available.

-- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

-- Tuition statement from school (1098-T).

To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Students must know if they can be claimed as a dependent on their parents' returns.

Tax returns will be prepared in McCartney Hall, room 116.

Services are available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29; March 6, 7, 13 and 14. No services are available after March 14.

No appointments are necessary. Clients will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact the FHSU Economics, Finance and Accounting Department at 785-628-5805 or Dr. Charles Gnizak, associate professor of economics and finance, at 785-628-4328.