IRS-certified Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette accounting students are providing free tax help to qualified income tax filers now through April 12. Filing federal and state tax returns now will help students meet the April 15 FAFSA filing deadline to be considered for Indiana State grants including O’Bannon Grants and 21st Century Scholars.
Students and volunteers have been trained and certified under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program offers free assistance to filers with household incomes under $65,000 who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Students will also help filers with any special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly.
Tax assistance will be available on the second floor of Ivy Hall in Room 2331, located on the Ivy Tech campus at 3101 S. Creasy Lane in Lafayette. Tax filers must make an appointment by calling 765-269-5848. Taxes are prepared while you wait. No appointments will be made during the college’s spring break held March 12-20. Limited drop-off service is available.
The office will be open Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; Thursdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm; and Saturdays, 9:00 am – Noon.
Returns will be electronically submitted to the IRS at no cost. To electronically file a joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. Tax filers can expect to receive any tax refunds within 7 to 14 days in most cases.
Taxpayers should bring a government-issued photo identification or passport, Social Security cards and birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return, income and deductible related documents (W-2, 1099, pension, Social Security), 1095-A if health insurance was purchased through the ACA marketplace, information on property taxes or any rent paid, any IRS notices, a copy of last year’s tax return, amount paid for child care and child care provider’s tax ID number, any college tuition statement or college bookstore receipts, and a blank or cancelled check if direct deposit is desired.
Last year, Ivy Tech students and volunteers helped over 550 low-to-moderate income families receive $805,000 in aggregate federal and state refunds and helped local taxpayers save an estimated $110,000 in tax preparation fees. The total financial impact on the community totaled $915,000. Ivy Tech accounting students gained valuable real-world experience in tax accounting and managing an office.