AJ News

Accounting students from The University of Scranton will assist local residents with their tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program beginning February 9.

The service, which has been offered for more than 20 years, is free for clients with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns. Students will assist residents both on campus and at several locations in Lackawanna county.

The VITA walk-in service will be offered in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the university’s campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from February 9 to March 10, and from March 23 to March 31. Hours of service will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on scheduled Fridays in February and 9 a.m. to noon on scheduled Fridays in March. Service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and advance appointments cannot be made. For additional information, call 941-4045.

People using the VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; all W2 Forms; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); local wage tax forms; Social Security numbers or ITIN for all taxpayers and dependents; W-7 forms if appropriate; last year’s tax returns; information related to income and expenses; real estate tax receipts; and a personal banking account check if you would like direct deposit.

Appointments are required for a special Super Sunday VITA service session on February 7 at The University of Scranton. Call Jamie Burns at 570.343.1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

A Spanish language interpreter will be available at The University of Scranton for VITA service on February 20 and March 20 by appointment only. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

Appointments are also required for VITA service offered by University of Scranton students and other volunteers at area community centers. Working with the Tax Assistance Coalition Members, the VITA service will be offered at the Carbondale Senior Community Center, the Valley Community Library in Peckville, the Taylor Community Library, the Abington Area Community Library and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Honesdale. (See the attached schedule for dates and time.) Call Jamie Burns at 570.343.1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

Tax Assistance Coalition Members are The University of Scranton VITA Program, The United Way of Lackawanna County, Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA, and the Consumer Credit Counseling of NEPA. Tax preparation services are provided by The University of Scranton VITA Program.