Students from the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business are offering free tax preparation services under the Internal Revenue Service-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Members of the public who make $54,000 or less are eligible for the service, now in its seventh year at the Leeds School.
The assistance is available on a walk-in basis from 5 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Wednesday, April 6, in the Koelbel Business Building, room 375.
The building is located at 995 Regent Drive on the CU-Boulder campus, across from the Coors Events Center. Visitor parking is available in sections of lots 474 and 475 just south of the Koelbel Business Building and in lot 440 just north of the Coors Events Center.
Participating Leeds School students have passed an IRS certification exam. Community volunteers who are experienced in tax law review all student-prepared tax returns to ensure accuracy and completeness.
“Students receive valuable experience preparing tax returns and they are able to work directly with taxpayers,” said Susan Morley, senior accounting instructor and faculty adviser of the VITA program on campus. “This hands-on work experience is well received by potential employers, and participating in the VITA program gives students an opportunity to perform a much needed community service.”
Last year, Leeds School students prepared approximately 482 tax returns and obtained more than $553,000 in refunds for taxpayers. The students also placed into the local economy an extra $164,000 through Earned Income Tax Credits for families.
There are no appointments and the service is operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of limited staffing and a high volume of participants, early arrival is recommended. Participants who arrive late might be rescheduled for another day. Walk-in times are subject to change when adverse weather occurs.
Eligible taxpayers should bring the following:
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Notices/Cards for the taxpayer, the taxpayer’s spouse and dependents;
- Photo identification for the taxpayer and the taxpayer’s spouse if married and filing jointly (both spouses must be present);
- All W-2 and 1099 forms and other income-related documents;
- Proof of mortgage interest, property taxes, daycare expenses (including provider’s tax ID number), college education expenses (e.g. 1098-T form) and all other deductible expenses;
- A copy of last year’s federal tax return;
- Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (e.g. a voided check);
- Proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN.
Visit the Leeds School’s accounting program for more information on academics. For pre-recorded information about CU-Boulder’s free student-led tax preparation assistance through VITA, including hours and location, call 303-492-6654.
