VITA provides local tax help

Starting today, IU Maurer School of Law and Kelley School of Business students will be providing free tax assistance to low-income, elderly, disabled and limited-English-speaking residents.

The students will be involved in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteers in Tax Assistance program until March 12.

Residents with an annual income of $49,000 or less are eligible for the help if they have not received income from stock sales, mutual funds or homes, and do not own businesses.

“The VITA program helps low- to moderate-income taxpayers avoid the fees charged by commercial tax preparers while assuring that they receive any tax benefits for which they qualify,” said John Allread, law student and VITA program coordinator, in a press release.
Law professor Ajay Mehrotra said the program benefits both residents and students.

“The VITA program is an excellent opportunity for our students to give back to the Bloomington community by using their knowledge to assist low-income taxpayers,”

Mehrotra said in the release. “It is also a good way for students to learn more about the federal income tax system.”