There is still time to help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Kent State University for the upcoming tax season. VITA is looking for volunteers and interns to provide free income tax assistance to qualifying individuals.
VITA offers tax preparation assistance to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. The service is free to students, employees and community members who meet the eligibility requirements.
The VITA site at Kent State, the Schwartz Center, will be open for appointments and walk-ins on three dates: Feb. 6, March 5 and April 2. The VITA site also will be open for appointments only on Tuesdays from Feb. 9 to April 5. Volunteers are required to prepare returns for a minimum of 16 hours. Internships require additional hours and travel to an Akron VITA site for academic credit.
Tax preparation training is available online through the IRS, or you can attend an in-person training in Akron. All preparers must be certified. Training will be available beginning in November, and all volunteers and interns must be certified by Jan. 22, 2016.
Individuals interested in serving as volunteers should call 330-672-8622 or email vita@kent.edu.