Free tax Preparation Through VITA
Press Release
KINGSVILLE - Students from the College of Business Administration at Texas A&M University-Kingsville will offer free tax preparation through the VITA program again this year. But, because of the pandemic it will look a little different.
This year, all tax prep will be done with virtual appointments or curbside drop-offs, said Dr. Genevieve Scalan, associate professor in the accounting and finance department, said. “We are still doing taxes 100 percent for free for taxpayers with under $66,000 household income.”
To get an appointment, taxpayers can either email VITA@tamuk.edu or call or text 361-248-9499. Appointments can be made now, but no drop offs or virtual meetings will be held until Tuesday, Feb. 9, and no taxes can be filed until the IRS opening date of Friday, Feb. 12.
For virtual appointments, the taxpayer will be sent an email with the information they need to email back and a link for a Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate video conference. If they can’t do a video conference, they can drop off the needed information and the students will prepare the return and contact the taxpayer when it is ready. If a drop-off is needed, it will be between 4 and 7 p.m. Tuesday or Wednesday by appointment. Virtual appointments will be arranged at times that are mutually agreeable to the taxpayer and the preparer.
Scalan said students can help with Earned Income tax or Child Care Credits. They also can help international students on an F1 Visa or retirees. The student preparers also can assist their fellow students who often don’t make enough to be required to file, but can get some of their withholding back if they do file. She encouraged students to check box 2 on their W-2 form and if there is an amount in it, they might be able to get a refund.