Montana State University

College of Business News

MSU STUDENTS OFFER FREE TAX HELP

 

Stop by with your tax documents to receive free tax help
Accounting students at Montana State University will provide free income tax help this tax season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Help sessions will be held on the MSU campus in a computer lab in 302 Reid Hall. No appointment is necessary. Sessions are from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on the following Tuesday and Thursday nights: February 6, 13, 15, 20, 27; March 1, 6, 20, 22, 27, 29; and April 3.

VITA was established by the Internal Revenue Service to help people who may find it difficult to pay for tax preparation services. The program also provides accounting students an experiential learning opportunity as they work with people in actual income tax situations.

Students will be available to prepare federal and state tax returns and answer tax questions. These students have completed a one-semester comprehensive tax course, have received additional training, and have access to a variety of federal and state reference materials. The students are supervised by MSU tax professors Dennis Schmidt and Anne Christensen.

Taxpayers whose income is $40,000 or less are eligible for the assistance. Those interested in free help should bring their 2006 W-2 forms and other tax documents and copies of their 2005 tax returns (if available). International students should also bring their passports.

Questions regarding VITA should be directed to MSU College of Business Faculty Services at 406.994.6796.