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Undergraduate and graduate students in accounting and finance majors at the University of North Georgia (̨��swag) are offering free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS.

The service is available by appointment from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from February 1 to March 1. Taxpayers can email vita@ung.edu or call 706-867-3082 to set up a time. Individuals should bring the by the IRS to Newton Oakes room 015 on ̨��swag's Dahlonega Campus at the time of their appointment.

Returns are filed electronically with direct deposit, if appropriate.

Under the guidance of Lisa Nash, a certified public accountant and lecturer of accounting in the Mike Cottrell College of Business, students prepare tax forms with schedules A, B, C-EZ or D and Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, Education Credits and Dependent Care tax credits as part of the VITA program. VITA offers free tax services to people who generally make $57,000 or less.

"The IRS-sponsored program offers ̨��swag students a wonderful hands-on experience serving our community," Dr. Ellen Best, department head of accounting and law, said. "The students gain many new skills while taking part in the VITA program, which include growing their technical skills through preparing tax returns, learning how to interact with clients, and being able to receive feedback on reviewed work." 

The IRS-sponsored program offers ̨��swag students a wonderful hands-on experience serving our community.

Dr. Ellen Best

̨��swag department head of accounting and law

"I'm excited about the opportunity," Burger said. "In addition to helping people, it gives me experience because I haven't had an internship yet."

There are some notable changes regarding taxes this year. Nash said taxpayers must report the amount of federal stimulus money they received to ensure they obtained the full amount. The stimulus funds are not taxable.

Also, the child tax credit and dependent care credit were fully refundable and increased in 2021, Nash added. Families were able to receive some of these funds as advanced payments during the year, and the tax return will help them receive the remainder of the credits.

This is the sixth year Nash is leading the program. She said the program serves 100-115 taxpayers per year.

The VITA grant program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations. This service helps low- to moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year.