Free tax assistance available for college students
Brooke Poe, Contributing Writer
Published On: 03/24/2008
The tax deadline is April 15, 2008, but don’t fear. College students have many options when it comes to filing taxes so they don’t miss out on refund checks. Students can get their parents to file taxes for them or they can receive help from someone with experience, like an employee at H&R Block. Plus, the IRS has free filing systems available online and the United Way has free tax help as well.
Most students get their parents to file taxes for them. For the students out there that need to file taxes on their own, there is plenty of free help out there.
In order to use the free filing systems you must meet certain requirements which include adjusted gross income less than $54,000. You can access the different free filing systems from the IRS (irs.gov). The IRS’s free filing system allows taxpayers to enter in their personal information and W2’s. The website walks you through the process step-by-step. Once the online forms are complete, the system automatically e-files the tax return to the IRS. No paper needed. Taxpayers can expect to receive their refund within two weeks and may receive their return by electronic direct deposit.
United Way is a non-profit organization that uses volunteers from colleges’ accounting departments to give free tax help. United Way also travels to different colleges. If you do not have internet access you may call 2-1-1 for United Way’s tax help. When you call 2-1-1, an automated voice system will prompt you to press two for Vita Tax Services. It will prompt you for your name, location and phone number to setup an appointment.
TurboTax is a software program that you may buy at most retailers. There are four different packages that range from $19.99 to $63.49. The packages are helpful for a range of needs from home to business. The W2’s the same as the free filing systems, except you own the software. You may also do TurboTax if your adjusted gross income is more than $54,000. TurboTax includes free e-file in all packages, however, for free you can do a simple return on the website. TurboTax returns will arrive in as little as eight days.
If you want an individual to help you there are many pay services to help you. Two of these services include H&R Block and Hewitt-Jackson. H&R Block offers online packages ranging from basic price of $14.95 to advanced price of $99.95 +. For office locations and prices you may call customer support at 1-800-472-5625.
There are several tax help options available for college students and the public. These include free filing systems, non-profit organizations and paid accounting services to help you prepare your taxes. Don’t let your self get stressed out over your taxes because there are several options available.
Email: brklyn85@uab.edu
