Continuing the service it has provided for more than two decades, the U of R will again collaborate with the Internal Revenue Service to offer free assistance beginning Feb. 25

During this tax season, the University of Redlands Accounting Department will again offer free tax assistance through its collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Beginning Feb. 25 and every Monday through April 15 except March 4, VITA volunteers will be available from 6 – 8:30 p.m. in Duke Hall 200 on the main Redlands campus. Wheelchair accommodations are available, as is Spanish translation.

“The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is an outstanding synthesis of applied learning and community service for our accounting students,” says Dr. Kendrick Brown, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, about the program that began at Redlands in 1997. “Our students have the opportunity to help people navigate what can often be a frustrating or perplexing experience, and our local community members can use the University as a resource and partner to help them with their taxes each year.”

VITA volunteers are trained using IRS material and an electronic tax filing program. Volunteers help prepare a Form 1040EZ or Form 1040 with attached schedules and forms. 

Clients should bring:

• All forms (e.g., W-2 and 1099s)
• Proof of identification for the taxpayer and, if applicable, spouse
• Social security card or individual taxpayer ID cards for the taxpayer, spouse, and/or dependents

If available, taxpayers may also want to bring:

• Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (e.g. voided check)
• Information on other income
• Information on all deductions/credits
• A copy of last year’s tax return

For questions, please contact the Office of Community Service Learning at 909-748-8288 or the Volunteer Center at volunteer_center@redlands.edu.