PROVIDENCE – Johnson & Wales University is offering tax-filing preparation at no charge to those who earned $55,000 or less last year during four sessions from April 3-11, the school recently announced.
The free service is being offered through the federal Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA.
The following sessions have been scheduled at 138 Matthewson St., Room 402, Providence:
- Wednesday, April 3, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Monday, April 8, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 11, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Those interested must make an appointment with associate professor Carlos Diaz at (401) 598-1020 or cdiaz@jwu.edu.
Johnson & Wales launched its VITA program in 1991. Designed to assist those in need, the program gives students “real-world” experience filing returns before graduation, as well as familiarity with IRS rules and regulations. The students, who are accounting and finance majors, trained with faculty members as they prepared for IRS certification. Upon completion, students are authorized to prepare federal and state returns.
The program “offers students the opportunity to enhance their skills and gain experience, while also lending a hand to the community in which we live,” said Diaz, who works in the university’s College of Business.
“Tax season can be a frustrating time for those who cannot afford the cost of tax-preparation fees and do not have the ability to e-file their own returns,” Diaz added. “We are grateful to the United Way and others for spreading awareness of our program, which is IRS-certified.”
Scott Blake is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Blake@PBN.com.
