Central College News

Central College to Offer Free Tax Preparation Service

Featured: Central College to Offer Free Tax Preparation Service

January 20, 2025

Central College accounting faculty and students will again provide free income tax preparation services for Marion County residents. This assistance is made possible through a grant from the Iowa Center for Economic Success, which Central has received for the past six years.

Students will prepare taxes on a volunteer basis under the supervision of Central’s accounting faculty through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The purpose of the program is to assist with free tax preparation services. VITA services are open to taxpayers who have less than $79,000 in annual income, live in rural areas, are elderly or have a disability, or have limited English proficiency. Those who do not meet these criteria are welcome to make an appointment to learn to prepare taxes on their own.

“The VITA program is a win-win for our students and the community,” says Maggie Fisher Schlerman, associate professor of accounting and a 2002 Central graduate. “Students engage with area residents gaining real-world experiences with tax preparation. These students plan to work in accounting, tax preparation and auditing fields. This volunteer program allows students to give their time and share their knowledge while helping others. In return, many deserving people can receive professional tax services at no cost.”

In addition to on-campus services, Central students and faculty will hold satellite drop-in clinics from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, March 1, at the Knoxville Public Library.

Appointments will be held in person during tax season at the Weller Center for Business and International Studies on Central’s campus. Appointments will be available from 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Appointments will not be held March 8-16 during spring break. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns Monday, Jan. 27.

To schedule an appointment, call or text 641-629-6729 or email centralcollegeVITA@central.edu.

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