It’s Income Tax Time, Again! Free VITA Program services at DMC underway now through April 11 on Heritage Campus
Del Mar College Accounting students assisting filers earning $60,000 or less as part of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program using IRS-provided software
Article by Melinda Eddleman
It’s time to file income taxes, again. And, while the main deadline may be less than three months away, many individuals are already getting down to business. For many Coastal Bend filers, trying to make sense of the different forms or changes in tax credits can be a struggle. Furthermore, paying for an accountant to prepare returns may not be part of the budget.
However, as part of a program supported by the United Way of the Coastal Bend, Del Mar College students trained in tax and accounting software hope to make the tax season a little less stressful for area filers as they provide FREE services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which starts today, Jan. 30.
Our students are trained in tax law and tax preparation as well as utilize a tax program provided by the Internal Revenue Service to the College. And, our students benefit from this program, too, by obtaining real world experience on handling tax returns for individuals as well as learning how to prepare and file a tax return electronically.
Palacios, a Certified Public Accountant, oversees the VITA Program at Del Mar College.
As a nationwide program established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA Program involves volunteers who prepare tax returns free for individuals who make $60,000 per year or less.
The free income tax preparation with the College’s IRS-trained tax volunteers is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. through April 11 in Room 206 in the Venters Business Building located on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Appointments are not necessary, so walk-ins are welcome.
VITA Program services will not be available during DMC’s Spring Break, which is March 11-16.
Questions? Call the United Way of the Coastal Bend at 361-882-2529 or visit www.uwcb.org/vita.
Filers need to bring tax information, including their W-2 form, other documentation of earned income, Social Security cards for everyone being claimed on the return and a form of identification, such as a drivers license or other photo I.D. A full checklist is located on the United Way's VITA Program web page.
For nearly 25 years, Del Mar College has been one of several local organizations involved with the VITA Program to provide tax return preparation services to lower income households. At the end of the tax season, the IRS recognizes volunteers––including Del Mar College students–– with a certificate for their involvement and hard work.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.