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 assistance to the public on Mondays and Thursdays.
While the 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, the service is available to anyone on campus or in surrounding communities with basic tax assistance needs. It is sponsored by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Taxpayers will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis Mondays, from 2-4 p.m. in Room 215, and Thursdays, from 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 109, of the D.P. Corbett Business Building, behind the Maine Center for the Arts on the Orono campus.
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 needed, and also can file returns electronically. ~
All of the student volunteers have taken tax preparation courses and are up to date on the latest tax law changes and Colburn double-checks each return. The program is a benefit for taxpayers in the community and is good training for students, who enjoy the interaction with walk-in clients, Colburn says.
Between 100 and 150 people from the Old Town-Orono communities, including students, usually come for assistance each year, Colburn says.
For further information, Steven Colburn can be reached at 581-1982.