SUNY New Paltz Students to Provide Free Tax Help

NEW PALTZ — Accounting students at the State University of New York at New Paltz are volunteering their services to students and low income individuals and families now through April 15.

For no fee, students will answer questions or prepare Form 1040EZ, 1040A or a non-complicated 1040 form, including exemptions and deductions. The simplified tax returns may include income from wages, interest and dividends, unemployment compensation, and Social Security benefits. They will also assist with earned income credit (both federal and New York State), child care credit, and New York State simplified returns. No other state returns will be handled.

The participating students are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the business administration department at the College, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service.

Volunteers are available outside the Student Lounge on the first floor of the van den Berg Learning Center beginning March 9, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday until April 15. Volunteers will also be available at other times. Contact Arthur Baum (257-2942/2930) for those hours. Taxpayers interested in the free assistance should bring with them their tax packages, W-2 forms, interest statements and other pertinent tax documents.

The volunteer workers will not be able to assist with returns that include business income; gains or losses from selling investments, such as stocks and bonds or businesses; income from partnerships, estates, trusts, or rental property; or farm income.

For additional information, contact Arthur Baum, department of business administration, 257-2942/2930.