USD Law Beta Alpha Psi students offering volunteer income tax assistance
“VITA is a free public tax service tool utilized by members of the community. It’s a great opportunity for USD student volunteers to give back to the community in such a personable way,” said USD second-year law student Trent Arlint, one of three VITA site coordinators that also include Andrew Polzin and Emily Lessin. Site coordinators are responsible for training volunteers, ensuring that each volunteer has passed a certification test, and assisting at each VITA session.
VITA sessions are offered throughout the spring semester until April 13 with sessions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the School of Law; from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25 in room 225A of the Muenster University Center; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at the School of Law, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 in the Muenster University Center Ballroom.
Individuals and families earning up to $50,000 are eligible for the free tax preparation assistance. Currently, 20 student volunteers are involved in the VITA Program, and at least four volunteers are present at each session. Individuals and families attending a VITA session should bring identification, Social Security card(s), tax returns and all other tax documents, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms and Social Security statements. Assistance is offered on a first come, first served basis.
VITA is sponsored by the University of South Dakota and all materials are provided by the IRS. Additional resources and support are provided by the American Bar Association and the Student Services Office. For more information about VITA, please visit www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers. More information about the USD School of Law is also available on the web at www.usd.edu/law.