Anne Christensen, professor of accounting at Montana State University Bozeman College of Business, has been busy training 38 senior and graduate level accounting students to prepare tax returns. After nine hours of training, textbook studies and taking an exam, the students are now prepared to offer free tax help to MSU students and individuals in the community who made less than $35,000 last year.

With the exception of March 16, the service will be offered every Tues., February 10 through April 6, from 6:30 - 9 p.m in room 401 Reid Hall on Montana State University-Bozeman campus. The students will help people with basic federal and Montana income tax returns.

The students are participating in an Internal Revenue Service Program known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). VITA provides opportunities for accounting students to learn how to prepare tax returns and apply their knowledge to a wide range of tax issues while learning the value of volunteering in the community. They also earn one accounting credit.

There is no appointment necessary and individuals interested in free tax help should bring their 2003 tax packages, W-2 forms, interest statements, 2002 tax returns and other tax documents. International students should attend one of the tax seminars for non-resident aliens on March 9 in Room 104 Reid Hall from 5:30-9 p.m. or March 10 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Room 275 Student Union Building. They are requested to bring their W-2s and 1042S.