NEWS

NEWBERRY — With income tax season underway, members of the community need not fear trying to navigate the process alone or for an exorbitant fee. Newberry College accounting students will put their skills and expertise to work in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, available for qualifying families. The program will accept new clients through Monday, April 8, in order to meet the April 15 tax deadline.

The free program is offered to families and individuals with household incomes of less than $64,000, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers. Services will be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Hal Kohn Memorial Library, 1100 Friend Street. The service will include federal and state income tax returns. Walk-ins are encouraged.

“It's a great opportunity for the students because it's experiential learning, which is the experience of doing, not just reading about it or hearing about it, but it's hands-on,” said Dr. Joe Edenfield, professor of accounting. “It’s gonna be very beneficial for them when they seek opportunities for employment, and we’re going to be able to help people in our community. It’s a win-win.”

Edenfield said the students have completed training with the Internal Revenue Service, and all returns will be approved by him before being filed on behalf of the taxpayer. Filers can expect a turnaround time of approximately one week.

“It's just a really good opportunity to learn about the tax field, as well as get hands-on experience helping out in the community, and it's beneficial to all parties involved,” said Nicolas Colorado, a junior majoring in accounting and business administration.

International students and non-native English speakers may also benefit from the program. “I’m from Spain, so last year when I had to do my taxes, I had no idea how to do them. And there are other people like that. So, helping foreign students and people from the community is a great opportunity,” said Blanca Noriega, a junior majoring in accounting and business administration.

With questions, please reach out to Edenfield at Joe.Edenfield@newberry.edu or 803-321-5212.