01/24/14
The Fort Hays State University accounting students will offer free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in February and March.

Low- to moderate-income ($51,000 and below) citizens 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: Form 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 any of the following: Schedule C (Business Income), Schedule D (Capital Gains), Schedule E (Rent Income & Royalties), Schedule F (Farm Income), and foreign student returns.

Tax returns will be prepared on campus in McCartney Hall, room 116, by appointment only. Call 785-628-5805 to schedule the visit.

Taxpayers must bring these items to the VITA site:
--Photo identification.
--Social Security cards and birthdates for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents.
--Wage and earnings statement; Form W-2, W-2G, 1098 and 1099-R from all employers.
--Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 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).
--Students must know if they are being claimed as dependents on their parents' returns.
--To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Site operating hours:
Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Feb. 18, 25 and March 4, 11
Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Feb. 19, 26 and March 5, 12
Saturdays from noon to 4:00 p.m.: Feb. 22 and March 1

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