UMaine Accounting Students Offer Free Help with Tax Returns
Contact: Steven Colburn, 581-1982; George Manlove, 581-3756
ORONO — University of Maine Business School accounting students under the supervision of accounting professor Steven Colburn are offering free income tax filing assistance to the public on Monday afternoons, beginning Feb. 2.
The long-standing UMaine Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is designed for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, the elderly or students who need help, but the service will be provided to anyone on campus or from surrounding communities with basic tax assistance needs. Then program is sponsored by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Taxpayers will be assisted on an appointment basis Mondays from 1-3 p.m., except during Spring Break (March 2 & 9) in Room 312 of the D.P. Corbett Business Building. Filers should bring W-2 forms from all employers, Forms 1099 (for dividends and interest), if applicable, and any other forms or information regarding income, deductions or credits. Volunteers can download tax forms from the IRS website, if necessary.
All student volunteers have taken tax preparation courses and are up to date on the latest tax law changes, and tax returns will be reviewed by Prof. Colburn prior to completion.
Taxpayers wishing to file electronically for a faster refund should bring the routing number for their bank and account number. All information provided is confidential, and no personal information will be kept in any university files.
The program benefits taxpayers in the community and also is good training for accounting students, Colburn says.
Taxpayers seeking assistance must call Colburn at 581-1982 to schedule an appointment or for additional details.