ODU Students Offer Free Tax Prep Services
March 24, 2004
COLUMBUS, OH -- Accounting students at Ohio Dominican University are
learning firsthand about the value of community service as they hone up their
tax preparation skills.
Ten Ohio Dominican University students in Accounting Instructor Deborah
Duffy's accounting internship class have been certified by the Internal Revenue
Service to be IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) tax preparers. As a
result, Ohio Dominican has been approved by the IRS as a VITA site, offering
free tax preparation services to seniors and low-income individuals. Those who
meet the qualifications (seniors age 65 or older, those who make $35,000 as head
of household, and non English-speaking individuals) are encouraged to participate
in the program.
Students in Duffy's class have completed a three-part IRS exam that certifies
them for tax preparation. The students are in effect running their own tax business,
according to Dr. Robyn Hulsart, chair of the Business Division at Ohio Dominican
University.
The program is an extension of Ohio Dominican's longstanding tradition of
service to those in need in the surrounding community. The tax preparation program
began two years ago, when students enrolled in the class provided the service to
approximately 40 of the University's international students.
Other universities in Ohio have heard about the program and contacted Dr.
Hulsart with an interest in bringing it to their campuses. "We believe this is
a model service program for small universities like ours. "We've found the
program to be quite beneficial in bridging a student's experience between the
classroom and the community. It's a win-win for everyone…the students,
and those they serve," said Dr. Hulsart.
Michael Lee, a junior from the Cincinnati-area, said that he sees the
service as being beneficial in two ways. "I am getting good experience and
have learned a lot about preparing taxes, but the benefit to those who are
taking advantage of this service is even greater." Lee, a Business Administration
major with minors in Accounting and Finance, added "many of these people can't
prepare their own taxes, and can't afford to pay anyone else to prepare them.
It feels good to give back to the community in this way."
Katie Moss, another junior who is double-majoring in Accounting and Finance,
said that this opportunity helped her define future career goals. "Participating
in this program has helped me to realize that I want to do something like this
when I graduate. We have been very busy helping these people in the community,
but the satisfaction is really worth it to me."
Students will prepare the following tax forms:
Form 1040EZ
Form 1040A With Schedules 1,2, 3 and EIC
Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, EIC and R
Form 1040-V Form 104-ES
Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Credit)
Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit) Form 8863 (Education Credits)
Individuals must schedule an appointment. Appointments are
available during daytime, evening, and some weekend hours. The student
tax preparers are located in Room 132 of Sansbury Hall on Ohio Dominican
University's main campus, 1216 Sunbury Road.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about the program, contact the
Ohio Dominican University VITA Center at 614-253-3558.
