NEWS

Hearing the word "taxes" may conjure negative thoughts for most people, but not for Newberry College Business students participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Offered by the Internal Revenue Service, the VITA provides free assistance in preparing basic tax returns for taxpayers with a household income of $53,000 or less. 

This year, eight Newberry College Business majors who are IRS-certified volunteers will help community members prepare and file their taxes, including electronic filing. They participate through an internship class (BUA 495) as part of their degree program. The three-credit course meets twice per week during spring semester to train them for the rigorous VITA certification process. Once certified, the students spend the next eight weeks working a minimum of three hours per week to provide free assistance preparing basic tax returns.  

Assistant Professor of Accounting Susan Shurden teaches the certification course in collaboration with The Cooperative Ministry in Columbia, S.C., which received an IRS grant to organize the VITA program in this region. 

“The VITA program addresses a need in our community by preparing returns at no cost to the taxpayer,” Shurden said. “Vocation is a foundational goal of Newberry College and we are preparing students to meet that goal through their participation in the VITA program."

During its inaugural year last year, 11 student volunteers completed approximately 200 returns during the spring of 2015. During spring 2016, eight student volunteers will begin preparing tax returns on Feb. 15 and conclude on tax day, April 15. 

“We are pleased to partner with the Newberry College Department of Business and Dr. Shurden again,” said Barbara Chapman, executive director of the Newberry County Literacy Council. “We are honored to have students who are willing to share their expertise and who are passionate to serve the people of Newberry County.”

All tax preparation sessions will be offered at The Newberry County Literacy Council located at 1121 Caldwell Street in Newberry, S.C. To register for a tax preparation appointment, email Barbara Chapman at newberrycountyli@bellsouth.net.  For more information about the VITA program, visit https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers