Berry College accounting students will offer free tax assistance beginning Friday, Feb. 8 to families and individuals with moderate levels of income.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is designed by the IRS to assist families to complete their annual tax returns free of charge. This marks the fourth year that Berry has offered the student-operated program. Through VITA, students acquire firsthand experience with tax preparation and client relationships in addition to continuously researching and getting familiar with changing tax laws.
To make an appointment, please email freetaxes@berry.edu or call (706) 236-2233. Hours of operation are Fridays from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11a.m.- 4 p.m. in the Campbell School of Business, Room 109.
Kseniya Shakhova, a junior accounting and finance double major, is the site coordinator for this program.
"I love seeing the clients' happy faces when they discover that they are due a refund. It makes all the hours studying and preparing for tax season worth it," she said.
Campbell School of Business Dean John Grout established the program at Berry.
"The potential for VITA and Berry College to help the community are tremendous. In past years we have put many thousands of dollars back into the pockets of VITA clientele, both as costs savings because preparation is free, and because of claiming earned income tax credits for clients," he said.
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