Ashland University offering free tax prep help and electronic filing

Staff report
·2 min read
Faculty and students in the Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics are again offering free tax preparation this year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Faculty and students in the Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics are again offering free tax preparation this year through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

ASHLAND – Tax season is upon us and those looking for help will find it nearby through Ashland University.

According to a news release from the university, faculty and students in the Dauch College of Business and Economics will offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

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Those eligible (taxpayers who make $60,000 or less and need help filing) can get assistance through the VITA program, which allows for free e-file of federal and state returns.

“AU students volunteered to undergo Internal Revenue Service training to assist people in preparing their income tax returns,” said Vicki Kaskey, chair of the accounting department at AU, in the release."

The VITA program is sponsored by the IRS along with Ashland University student groups.

Tax help is available starting Feb. 15, Kaskey noted.

“This year we will be operating using an online customer portal. All tax preparation will be done online through the customer portal, including uploading and signing documents," she said.

How to participate in the VITA program through Ashland University

Free tax preparation help is available this year through Ashland University.
Free tax preparation help is available this year through Ashland University.

Call 419-207-6239 for detailed instructions on how to use the portal so residents can avoid traveling to the university.

Or, taxpayers can opt to come to the schools on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between 6 and 8 p.m. to have their documents scanned.

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“We are unable to accommodate clients outside of those hours," Kaskey said. "You will be given back your original documents along with instructions on how to view your finished tax return, sign it electronically and print it out in the client portal. No finished tax returns will be picked up after they are completed.”

Those coming to campus should bring a photo ID. If applicable, spouses must also come to campus and provide a photo ID.

Tax returns that contain items outside the scope of the AU program will not be processed, the release states.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Free tax prep help is available through VITA program at Ashland U