MSU accounting students offer free tax help

Senior and graduate accounting students from Montana State University’s College of Business are offering free help preparing tax returns for MSU students and individuals who made less than $55,000 last year.

The help sessions will be held on the MSU campus in Reid Hall 302. No appointment is necessary. Sessions will be held from 5:30-7:00 pm on the following dates: Feb 8, 15, 22, 24; March 1, 8, 22, 29, 31; and April 5. At the sessions, students will be available to prepare federal and state income tax returns and answer tax questions. Free electronic filing will be available for most 1040 forms.

Individuals who are interested in free help should bring their 2010 W-2 forms, other tax documents, social security cards and copies of their 2009 tax returns (if available). International students should also bring their passports and visas. Tax assistance for international students begins Feb. 22.

The students accounting volunteers are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which was established by the Internal Revenue Service to assist people who may find it difficult to pay for tax preparation services. The program also gives accounting students practical experience.

Each student accounting volunteer has passed an IRS tax preparation exam, completed at least one comprehensive tax course, received specific training related to common tax issues, and has access to a variety of federal and state reference materials. Anne Christensen, an accounting professor at MSU, supervises the students.