Volunteer tax program will give free advice

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 - 1:12 AM

With only three months left of tax season, many volunteer tax programs will be on hand to help university students sort out their taxes for free. All students and faculty should have received the necessary information from employers in order to file for taxes by Jan. 31.

Help will be offered Feb. 4 and 11 in the Joe Crowley Student Union. Volunteers will supply taxpayers with free tax advice and preparation.

Randy Pares, a 20-year-old biochemistry major, said he thinks the free tax program is great since there are no strings attached. All students have to do is make an appointment, and they are instantly granted help without being tied down to a particular agency.

“It is beneficial because a lot of students aren’t as knowledgeable as they should be about taxes,” Pares said.

Laura Lord, a 21-year-old accounting and informational systems major, said she supports the volunteer tax program service because many students are filing their taxes alone for the first time.

“Although I know how to prepare my own taxes because of the courses I’ve taken, I think this program would be a great opportunity for students who need assistance with their taxes,” Lord said.

The event is hosted by the Community Services Agency and the University of Nevada, Reno accounting department. Students in the accounting department will partner with the IRS to provide free, trained income tax preparation. The program will also offer electronic filing for low-income clients through the IRS’ Volunteer Tax assistance program.

Dawn Fidaleo, site supervisor of the IRS program, said she hopes to see a good turnout at the event because anyone can attend.

“We encourage not only students, but any employee of UNR to make an appointment and take advantage of this free community service,” she said.

All UNR employees are welcome; however, the program is targeted to those with incomes below $50,000.

The hours of the event are yet to be determined, but those interested are encouraged to contact the agency for more information.

Clients are advised to bring their Social Security card, W-2’s, driver’s license (or other photo ID) and any other tax documents. Clients should also know if they are being claimed as a dependent on their parent’s tax return.

Anyone interested should be aware that appointments take precedence over walk-in clients. Appointments can be made with the Joe’s Program Marketing Coordinator Jeannette Smith. She can be reached at jnsmith@unr.edu or 775-784-6505.

Kayla Johnson can be reached at news@nevadasagebrush.com

Free Tax Help
➤ Who: Volunteer Tax Programs
➤ What: Free tax advice and preparation
➤ When: Feb. 4 and 11, hours TBD
➤ Where: Joe Crowley Student Union