Tax season is here, and throughout the semester, FMU accounting students are offering for those needing guidance in preparing their state and federal taxes
On Wednesday until April 15, accounting students are available from 5-9 p.m. in Founders Hall room 259C.
The service is free and made possible through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
All FMU students assisting tax payers with tax forms have passed or are currently taking the Accounting 428, Federal Taxation II course. In addition, the VITA program offered training, and Dr. Brad Johnson, associate professor of accounting, supervises the students. Johnson has been teaching at FMU since 2003 and has been a tax professor for over 30 years.
“We’re competent, certified, well-trained volunteers who are eager to assist the residents of the Pee Dee and the FMU community at large,” Johnson said. “The certification allows us to complete the most complex returns at all income levels.”
Senior accounting major Huntley Nolan is one of the 22 FMU students volunteering their services this year.
“It’s great for students to get some real-world experience while also giving back to the community,” Nolan said. “The VITA program is a great way to let the community know how much we appreciate their support for this university by offering a cost-free way to file their state and federal taxes.”
Those desiring to receive help on their tax forms should come prepared with the correct documents and forms. The citizen should bring their driver’s license and their social security card or military I.D. of the taxpayer, as well as the driver’s license and social security card of their spouse and dependents. Citizens should also bring their W-2 and 1099 forms.
This is the ninth year that FMU accounting students have had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of accounting by helping citizens with their federal and state taxes.
According to the university, on average, more than 300 tax returns are filed each year at the FMU VITA site. FMU students are on track to reach similar numbers during the 2015 tax season.
As junior accounting major Nelson Gibbons said, “You can ‘account’ on us!”
