Those who need help filing their 2009 income tax returns may want to take advantage of a free service being provided by the Glenville State College Business Department through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Free tax help is available to GSC students, faculty, staff, and the general public. The VITA program offers assistance to low to moderate income (generally $49,000 or below) people who need help preparing their basic income tax returns. Completed returns may be electronically filed.

GSC senior Accounting major Megan Claytor of Strange Creek in Braxton County West Virginia is providing tax return assistance under the direction of GSC Associate Professor of Business Cheryl McKinney, CPA. Claytor volunteered for the program and has completed an IRS training and certification course in basic income tax preparation using materials provided by the IRS. “There was a lot of reading and research required for the program. I was surprised at the depth of the training,” she said.

The GSC VITA program is located in the lower level of the Robert F. Kidd Library. Tax assistance is available on Tuesdays from 3:00-7:00 p.m. through April 13th with the exception of Tuesday, March 9th when Glenville State College is closed for spring break. A few sessions will be scheduled before the April 15th tax deadline to make-up for the sessions that were cancelled due to winter weather. The exact dates and times will be announced when available.

Those who wish to receive free tax assistance from the GSC VITA site, should bring this year’s tax package, wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest and dividend statements (Form 1099), a copy of your 2008 tax return if available, any relevant information about income and expenses, Social Security numbers for taxpayers and dependents, and bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit information.

“The benefit of the VITA program for Glenville State College is two-fold. First, the free income tax assistance provides a needed service to the campus and community. Secondly, it affords some of our Accounting students to gain practical experience and apply the concepts they have been learning,” said Cheryl McKinney.

This is the third consecutive year that GSC has offered the VITA Program which has assisted thirty tax payers each year.

For more information about the GSC VITA program, contact McKinney at (304) 462-7361 ext. 6263.