Above: Accounting majors will offer a free tax preparation service this year.
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We will suspend VITA from March 17, 2020 through April 7, 2020. If we resume on campus classes on April 13, 2020, we will be preparing VITA returns on April 14, 2020. Additionally, since the IRS will likely extend the filing deadline, Christopher Newport will open VITA on Saturday April 18, 2020, provided that campus is open again.
Student volunteers from the Luter School of Business will prepare and e-file tax returns at no charge this year.
The service begins Tuesday, February 11, 2020, and is available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays with the exception of March 3, 2020. The last day will be Tuesday, April 14, 2020. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments will be given. This free service is geared toward taxpayers with low to moderate incomes.
Local residents interested in the free service should go to Luter Hall 143B. Signs will direct residents to the visitor parking lot adjacent to the Trible Library and a short walk from Luter Hall.
Tax services are provided by Christopher Newport’s accounting majors, who are volunteer tax preparers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS. The student volunteers are trained and certified to prepare basic tax returns, including:
- Forms 1040
- Schedule A and B
- Simple Schedule C and D
- Forms related to:
- Earned Income Credit
- Child Credit
- Dependent Care Credit
- Additional Child Credit
- Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
- Education Credit
Taxpayers interested in having their taxes filed for free should bring the following documents:
- Photo identification
- Social Security cards for taxpayers and dependents
- Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s), such as form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Form 1095 A (if applicable)
- A copy of last year's tax returns (if available)
- If using direct deposit, bank routing numbers and account numbers
- Other relevant information about income and expenses, such as total paid for day care and day-care provider's identifying number
To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.