IRS-certified student volunteers from Quinnipiac University are offering free tax preparation assistance to qualified individuals at Hamden’s Keefe Community Center, 11 Pine St.
The students, under the direction of accounting professors Nelson Alino and Darcie Costello, will offer free tax preparation assistance to people who generally earn less than $53,000 annually.
Assistance will be available Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. until April 15, with the exception of March 11 and 12 because of spring break.
“It is a very worthwhile service learning opportunity for students,” Costello said. “It is a unique opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. They gain valuable experience as they interact with clients as they prepare their tax returns.”
The students can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they qualify, including earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and credit for the elderly or disabled.
“The service is also a way for students to give back to the greater Hamden community,” Costello added. “Our students are providing a very valuable service to the residents of Hamden, saving them hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees, and ensuring they receive all of the tax credits for which they are eligible.”
Individuals seeking assistance with their taxes should bring: a photo ID; Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents; proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN; birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return; wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099); a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check; total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security number or the provider’s business employer identification number) if appropriate.
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
The students involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program use TAXWISE, the IRS-approved software package for the VITA program for state and federal returns.
For more information, please call Costello at 203-582-7914.