Ashland University Offers Free Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing

Faculty and students in the Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics are offering free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program is designed to assist in tax preparation for those who are eligible and allows for free e-file of federal and state returns.

“This is one more way in which the university fulfills its mission to serve our community and to allow our students to grow as scholars, professionals and human beings,” said Dr. Elad Granot, dean of the Dauch College of Business and Economics.

“AU students volunteered to undergo Internal Revenue Service training to assist people in preparing their income tax returns,” said Dr. Vicki Kaskey, chair of AU’s Accounting and Management Information Systems Department. The free tax assistance is available through the VITA program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service along with Ashland University student groups.

“Beginning on Feb. 12, the Accounting Department will be accepting walk-ins for tax preparation,” Kaskey said. “Our hours are 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays in Room 108 of the Dauch College of Business and Economics.” The Dauch College of Business and Economics is located off College Avenue.

Kaskey said participants will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis, and those interested need to bring an ID,W-2s, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, mortgage interest, real estate tax payments, Social Security Card and all tax documents. Those with questions can call her at 216.544.4966.

The suggested salary range for the VITA Program is $54,000 or less, although AU will accommodate free tax preparation and filing services to those that the IRS deems as having “simple returns,” according to Kaskey. If a tax return contains any items that are out of scope for the AU program, the College will be unable to prepare the tax return.

Ashland University, which has been ranked in the top tier of colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category, is a mid-sized, comprehensive private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Religiously affiliated with the Brethren Church, Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) deeply values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their student