Del Mar College students trained in tax and accounting software hope to make the tax season a little less stressful for area filers as they provide FREE services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which started on January 30.
“Our students are trained in tax law and tax preparation as well as utilize a tax program provided by the Internal Revenue Service to the College,” says Adelfino Palacios, Jr., CPA, DMC Professor of Accounting who oversees the VITA Program. “And, our students benefit from this program, too, by obtaining real world experience on handling tax returns for individuals as well as learning how to prepare and file a tax return electronically.”
As a nationwide program established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the VITA Program involves volunteers who prepare tax returns free for individuals who make $60,000 per year or less.
The free income tax preparation with the College’s IRS-trained tax volunteers is available every Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m. through April 11 in Room 206 in the Venters Business Building located on the Heritage Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. (78404), get online directions and campus map. Appointments are not necessary, so walk-ins are welcome.
VITA Program services will not be available during DMC’s Spring Break, which is March 11-16.