2008 Woodie Awards
A free solution to a taxing problem
Kimberly Van Winkle
Issue date: 2/23/06 Section: Feature
- Page 1 of 1
When most people think of April 15 the first thing that comes to mind is taxes. April usually means spring, sunshine and warmth but the gloomy cloud of taxes can lurk on the horizon. Peggy DeJong, associate professor of business and information technology at Kirkwood's Iowa City Center, provides a ray of light for students and staff trying to complete their taxes.
DeJong offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Sponsored by the IRS, the program is a community service available to everyone, though it's geared more toward students, faculty and staff, DeJong said. VITA offers free 1040E2, 1040A and 1040 tax return preparation, Federal and Iowa State returns, and free E-files but does not handle business, rental, or investment income.
DeJong said students and faculty interested in VITA should bring their Social Security card, a copy of last year's tax returns and all statements of income, including W-2's and 1099s.
The service is run by volunteer students. "It's a great opportunity for students to get real world experience," DeJong said. She said the IRS provides training materials and software. The only requirement for students to volunteer is to have taken the income tax class in accounting.
"I've had students come back and say it was great experience and it looks good on a resume," DeJong said. To get information about volunteering, students can contact DeJong at 887-3607 ext. 93460.
This is VITA's fourth year to offer income tax assistance to the community. DeJong said that each year more people have taken advantage of the service. "A lot of them are return students and we've grown from about 60 the first year to approximately 165 last year," DeJong said.
In Cedar Rapids, VITA meets on the second floor of Neilson Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
In Iowa City, VITA meets on the second floor lobby near room 248. Walk-ins are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Appointments can be made for Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
VITA is available to students and staff through April 15.
DeJong offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Sponsored by the IRS, the program is a community service available to everyone, though it's geared more toward students, faculty and staff, DeJong said. VITA offers free 1040E2, 1040A and 1040 tax return preparation, Federal and Iowa State returns, and free E-files but does not handle business, rental, or investment income.
DeJong said students and faculty interested in VITA should bring their Social Security card, a copy of last year's tax returns and all statements of income, including W-2's and 1099s.
The service is run by volunteer students. "It's a great opportunity for students to get real world experience," DeJong said. She said the IRS provides training materials and software. The only requirement for students to volunteer is to have taken the income tax class in accounting.
"I've had students come back and say it was great experience and it looks good on a resume," DeJong said. To get information about volunteering, students can contact DeJong at 887-3607 ext. 93460.
This is VITA's fourth year to offer income tax assistance to the community. DeJong said that each year more people have taken advantage of the service. "A lot of them are return students and we've grown from about 60 the first year to approximately 165 last year," DeJong said.
In Cedar Rapids, VITA meets on the second floor of Neilson Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
In Iowa City, VITA meets on the second floor lobby near room 248. Walk-ins are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Appointments can be made for Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
VITA is available to students and staff through April 15.