BSU students offering free tax-return assistance through April 14

Feb. 3, 2016 — Beginning today, Bemidji State University students are donating their time to offer free services as part of the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Students who have completed the Tax I course and passed IRS certification tests will offer free tax assistance every Wednesday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. each week through April 14. Sessions are held in room 250 of BSU’s Memorial Hall, located at 1406 Birchmont Drive NE. Due to the university’s spring break, sessions will not be offered March 16-17.

Students use their tax knowledge to provide assistance to other students, including international students with special requirements, and to low-income and elderly individuals in the area who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with tax law and filing requirements.

VITA not only offers free preparation, but also free e-filing for those who qualify. With e-filing and direct deposit, those who qualify typically receive their refund in 8-10 days. The IRS has a web page explaining what people should bring with them to a VITA session.

About VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.