Kent, OHIO – Kent State’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is proving beneficial for accounting students and those in need of tax assistance this tax season.
The program, which was introduced at Kent State in 2011, pairs accounting students – who receive course credit and hands-on experience – with Kent State students and community members needing assistance filing taxes.
“The VITA program has given me the opportunity to connect with the community and fellow accounting students with the added benefit of learning more about personal taxes,” said Anna Thompson, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Accounting program at Kent State University.
This year, accounting students received special certification which allows them to prepare taxes for international students.
“We expect to assist hundreds of international students with VITA,” said Mindy Nett, CPA, associate professor of accounting who heads up the VITA program along with Paula DiVencenzo, Tax Manager at Kent State. “We can also assist any U.S. taxpayer below the income threshold of $64,000, individuals age 60 and up, and persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who file Form 1040.”
Nett hopes to spread the word about the program so more students and staff have an opportunity to take advantage of the on-campus resource.
Remaining drop-off dates for the 2024 tax season include 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays (March 16, March 23 and April 6); 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13 and 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. Check-in takes place in the lobby of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, located at 475 Terrace Drive.
In order to participate, taxpayers must bring identification (driver’s license, state ID or passport and visa) and a social security or ITIN card. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are given priority.
For more information on the VITA program or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.kent.edu/vita.
About Kent State University’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Kent State University’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship is among 1% of business schools worldwide to obtain dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in both business and accounting. The college offers 10 undergraduate majors, 14 minors, and an undergraduate Professional Sales Certificate; MBA; master’s degrees in accounting, business analytics and economics; graduate certificates, dual degree programs and a Ph.D. program. For more information about Kent State’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, visit www.kent.edu/crawford.