IC students gain hands-on experience offering free tax returns
Illinois College students will once again gain hands-on experience this tax season while providing a valuable community service to qualifying residents.
Starting in early February, accounting students at Illinois College will participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to help local residents during the coming tax season.
As part of the program, students will complete tax returns by appointment, Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-7 p.m. at Lincoln Land Community College in Jacksonville and Wednesdays 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on the Illinois College campus.
To qualify for the free service, participants must make less than $60,000 in annual income. Students will prepare both federal and state tax returns and electronically file them for free prior to the April 15 tax deadline.
John Rush, the coordinator of the program and associate professor of accounting, said that Illinois College students have helped file hundreds of returns while gaining hands-on professional experience in accounting for over 30 years.
“Our students are learning valuable skills working with clients and using professional software while providing a needed service to the community,” said Rush.
To make an appointment on a Tuesday or Thursday at Lincoln Land Community College, contact the Prairie Council on Aging at 479-4619. To make Wednesday appointment at Illinois College, email ictaxhelp@ic.edu.