Free Tax Preparation Available At LVC Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

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LVC students work with community members for free tax preparation.

ANNVILLE, PA (03/14/2014)(readMedia)-- For the seventh consecutive year Lebanon Valley College's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available to assist low-income, elderly, and otherwise disadvantaged taxpayers in completing their federal, state, and local taxes now through April 10.

Last year, through the dedication of 14 LVC VITA student volunteers, the program was able to retrieve $317,903 in returns for the disadvantaged. Volunteering more than 800 hours while completing 300 Federal, state, and local returns, the students were able to give clients access to returns that they otherwise might not have received.

"It feels good to give back to the community that actually helps them in a monetary way. Most people have to pay to get their taxes done or when they do them they are not quite sure if they are doing the right thing," said Aliena Zimmerman, LVC senior business administration and economics major and VITA student volunteer.

The LVC VITA program is connected with the Money in Your Pocket Coalition, which ties the college's program with several other tax preparation organizations throughout the county. Together, the Money in Your Pocket Coalition completed more than 800 Federal and 800 State returns along with retrieving over $1 million for their clients within the past year.

"Most students do the program for enough hours to earn a credit or two in the process. It's a 'win win' for students and community members," Zimmerman said.

Qualifying applicants include those who obtained an income of $52,000 or less in 2013. These citizens have the opportunity to utilize the VITA tax program including aid in Earned Income Credit (EIC), Education Credits, Child Tax Credit (CTC), and Dependent Care Credit.

This year, the VITA program is housed in the lower level of the Mund College Center. Appointments may be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4 and 7 p.m. for those who qualify.

To schedule an appointment please call 717-867-6054. If prompted, please leave a voice message with your name and telephone number. Each voicemail will be returned by the scheduling coordinator who will provide information on what to bring to the appointment.