Trine hosting free tax preparation for low-income residents

Low-income residents or those with disabilities or limited English proficiency can get their taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost this spring through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program hosted by Trine University.

Taxes will be prepared from 3:30-4:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays starting Jan. 27 through April 14 in Trine University’s Ford Hall, located at the corner of Darling Street and Thunder Drive.

The site will not operate during the university’s spring break, March 3-9.

Certified by the IRS

The team of volunteers includes eight Trine University accounting students who have been certified by the IRS to prepare taxes, Trine alumna Ingrid Rosales and Al Beatty, assistant professor of accounting in Trine’s Ketner School of Business.

Rosales will translate for Spanish-speaking individuals.

“We love serving people in need through the VITA program, and it’s especially exciting to host tax preparation on campus this year,” said Beatty. “In addition to providing a community service, VITA allows our accounting students to get practical experience in preparing taxes before starting their careers.”

Student volunteers earn IRS certification while enrolled in the AC 383 or 483 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance classes. Coursework includes role-playing and specialized scenarios prior to tax preparation beginning on Jan. 27.

VITA serves those who make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance. Those filing must present a Social Security card for all taxpayers on the return and a government-issued photo ID for the main taxpayers on the return.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Beatty at beattya@trine.edu or leave a message at (260) 665-4368. Calls will be returned within 24 hours.