Puzzled by the tax law or which credits to take? Need assistance with your tax return?  The trained volunteers at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) can help!

SMWC is offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Through VITA, which is a national program, certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.

At SMWC, nine accounting students received extensive training to assist U.S. citizens and residents with their federal and Indiana income tax returns.

“The VITA Program provides our students with practical tax experience outside the classroom,” said Jamie McCracken, SMWC assistant professor of business and co-coordinator of SMWC’s VITA services. “VITA is a wonderful way for students to get real life experience while helping the community.”

VITA services will be provided at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning Feb. 3 and lasting through April 15. To take advantage of this opportunity, appointments must be made in advance by calling the SMWC Library at 812-535-5223. When calling, simply state that you would like to make an appointment with the VITA Program.

“The students are excited about starting the program, and they are motivated to make our opening day a success,” said Jennie Mitchell, professor of business and co-coordinator of SMWC’s VITA services “Reading about a subject is one thing, but actually practicing what you are reading is a whole new level of learning.”

The SMWC VITA site will offer free electronic filing (e-filing) and, according to the website www.IRS.gov, “Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster if you have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.”

Those who wish to have tax returns prepared at a VITA Site must bring:
•    Proof of identification
•    Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
•    Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
•    Current year’s tax package if you received one
•    Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
•    Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
•    A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
•    Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
•    Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
•    To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

To reserve a time with SMWC’s VITA site to file your e-file or paper return, please call 812-535-5223. To locate the VITA site nearest you, call 1-800-829-1040.