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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Jan. 19, 2023) — Milligan University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will provide free, IRS-certified tax return preparation to local citizens. Milligan students have offered this program for over a decade, and it is sponsored by Bank of Tennessee.
The program will take place in Milligan’s Derthick Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on three Saturdays during the 2023 filing season: Feb. 25, March 18 and April 1. Appointments are required and can be scheduled at www.milligan.edu/vita.
Milligan’s VITA program offers a free alternative to paid tax return preparers and provides the same fast refunds. Over the years, student volunteers have completed hundreds of returns and saved local taxpayers thousands of dollars, with each client averaging over $1,000 in refunds.
Under the supervision of faculty in the William B. Greene, Jr. School of Business & Technology, Milligan students train extensively and are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prepare returns for taxpayers in Johnson City, Elizabethton and the surrounding areas.
“The Milligan VITA program fully reflects the university’s mission of servant-leadership,” said Dr. Kimberly Melinsky, assistant professor of business administration. “Our students are trained in tax preparation to serve the community by filing tax returns for free. This experience is valued by both clients and students alike.”
Taxpayers eligible for VITA services include people with annual incomes of less than $64,000; anyone with a physical disability; non-English-speaking citizens; and people older than 55. In addition to electronic filing for quick deposit of returns, VITA volunteers can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and credit for the elderly or the disabled.
Every taxpayer participating in VITA must file an Intake/Interview Questionnaire. Only one completed form is needed if filing status is Married Filing Jointly. The form can be completed prior to an appointment.
Appointments are required. Online registration and more information are available now at www.milligan.edu/vita or call 423.461.8700 to book an appointment.