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Get a faster tax refund with Clayton State’s VITA

With tax day looming just one month away, wouldn’t it be nice to have your taxes finished before crunch time? If your annual income is $36,000 or less, you can have your taxes figured for free by IRS-certified Clayton State business students through the University’s annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program Mar. 19 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. in room 222 of the University’s Technology Building.

If you are interested in filing your taxes with the help of Clayton State’s VITA program, please bring the following information to the Mar. 19 session: photo identification, social security cards for the taxpayer; his/her spouse and dependents if applicable; birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return; current year’s tax package if you received one; wage and earning statement(s) such as the 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; and bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

VITA participants who use a child care service should also provide information on the total amount paid for child care and the child care provider’s identification number. For married couples filing joint tax returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

And if all this sounds a bit complicated, Clayton State student Bridgett M. Bailey of McDonough, a senior accounting major and VITA coordinator, says it’s definitely worth the while.

“Students and members of the community should attend not only because it is free, but also because those entitled to returns can receive their return within two weeks,” said Bailey of the electronic filing process. “Plus, interest rates on cash advance places are ridiculous!”

While VITA is definitely an asset to student and community tax payers, Clayton State business students participating in VITA also get a lot out of the program. Although their return is not monetary like many of the clients they serve, VITA volunteers are rewarded with hands on experience that may help them in their future careers in the business field.

“VITA provides excellent experience for students,” said Judith Stilz Ogden of Stockbridge, faculty advisor for Clayton State’s VITA program. “VITA not only reinforces the student’s knowledge of the tax rules, but also gives them an opportunity to interview and work with the public.”

Ogden, who has worked with VITA programs in Indiana and Pennsylvania, said employers are often impressed with VITA participation, even if the students were not interviewing for tax-related jobs.

Bailey also sees the VITA program as beneficial in professional development. “Experience is much needed in a society where many pursue higher education. An employer is more apt to hire someone that has more experience in dealing with people in a professional environment,” she said.

For more information on Clayton State’s VITA program or to learn more about the Clayton State School of Business contact Ogden at judithogden@mail.clayton.edu or call 770-961-3452. To learn more about VITA and the IRS certification held by all Clayton State student volunteers, visit www.irs.gov and enter keyword VITA.