Monday marked the annual opening of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance lab, a service designed to help BYU students and community members file their income tax returns for free.
The VITA lab is managed by Beta Alpha Psi, a student organization, and is funded by the United Way. BAP also works in association with the Internal Revenue Service to provide training materials and certification exams to ensure volunteers' competency.
"We estimate completing about 5,000 returns this year," said Josh Bushnell, president of Beta Alpha Psi.
Students who want help filing their taxes can visit VITA's Web site to make sure they have all the necessary forms.
Bushnell said one of the required documents all students working with the VITA lab will need is his or her social security card.
Many students are impressed by VITA's services.
"It's great, it's free, you get your taxes done, and you get your return in two weeks," said David Alden, a student majoring in nursing.
Michael Iverson, a student majoring in business management, has used VITA's services in the past and looks forward to getting help with his taxes again this year.
"I've used [the VITA lab] two to three times and it's been fantastic," he said. "It's quick, simple, easy and free."
One student said that he normally files on his own because he doesn't make very much money and his taxes are pretty simple, but this year his taxes got a little more complicated.
"I have questions about scholarships, Pell grants, and Smart grants," said Danny Jorgensen, a student majoring in chemical engineering.
Jorgensen is one of many students who are going to the VITA lab for the first time this year.
The VITA lab is designed to help students, community members, and international students who make less than $40,000 a year.
The lab has about 145 volunteers this year, and most of the volunteers come from BYU's accounting program and have an educational background in tax. All volunteers are expected to complete three to four hours of training and must pass a proficiency exam before helping others file their returns.
International students need to visit VITA's Web site to register by country for tax assistance. VITA volunteers are holding sessions in the Harold B. Lee Library based on nationality so international students can complete their forms.
Bushnell recommends that taxpayers filing with VITA arrive early to avoid longer waits later in the day.
"It's probably going to be a two hour wait so come prepared with something to do," Bushnell said.
More information is available at vita.byu.edu.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Lab Information
- Open now until April 4
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Web site http://vita.byu.edu/
- Located in the HBLL 1820
- Assistance provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Copyright Brigham Young University 7 Feb 2008
