Tax time can be confusing for a majority of Americans.
With different intangibles taken into consideration, Milligan College is in the process of kicking off the IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for the eighth year to offer free tax preparation to citizens in the surrounding area.
This year has seen the program go through some minor changes, according to Milligan Associate Professor of Economics Dr. David Campbell, who added the changes will help better accommodate individuals looking to use the service.
“We wanted to do our best to limit wait times for residents,” he said. “We’re offering three different sites on campus. Each of our students are fully trained and certified by the IRS.”
The three different dates for work with students at Milligan are February 18, March 18 and April 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Dr. Campbell added the first two dates are already booked but spots are still available for the April date.
“And that isn’t a joke, either, we’ll really be here,” he said with a laugh about the day following on April Fools Day.
Families can set up an appointment by visiting milligan.edu/vita online or calling (423) 461-8700. The requirements to work with the staff includes making $54,000 or lower. Dr. Campbell encourages people that come in to bring photo ID, a copy of their social security number, any tax documents and any information from the previous filing season.
“The more stuff the public is able to bring in, the better we can help to make sure they have an accurate and beneficial tax return,” he said.
The program is also offering a new program called Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA).
Dr. Campbell added that the FSA will be available each of the three days and is offered as a first-come, first-serve basis.
“It’s a new program we’re able to offer that runs parallel with our tradition service,” he said. “It’s the return equivalent of the self-checkout lane at a grocery store.”
The FSA is offered to individuals that make $64,000 or less and is an opportunity to for individuals with simple tax returns to file, free of charge. Dr. Campbell stated a small number of computers will be available each of the three days. Individuals are encouraged to take advantage of the offer and students will be available for any questions. While offering on site, the public can visit myfreetaxes.com to take advantage of the FSA.
The college’s VITA program is backed by the Milligan business faculty and is sponsored by Carter County Bank and Bank of Tennessee.
“We appreciate Carter County Bank and Bank of Tennessee for their support with grants this year,” Dr. Campbell said. “It is amazing to see the community support from the program and we appreciate the support from our partners.”
Milligan began the program in 2009 and saw one volunteer perform 35 returns. Since that time, the program has seen dozens of volunteers perform hundreds of returns over the years.
“It really goes back to the mission of Milligan College,” Dr. Campbell said. “This is a perfect opportunity for our students to live out their mission of being leaders in the community.”
Visit the Milligan College website for information of the College’s VITA program. Dr. Campbell added that if spots fill up at Milligan, he encourages individuals to either use the FSA option or take advantage of the VITA program offered at East Tennessee State University.