Solution to a taxing problem

By: Danny Weber
Contributing Writer

It’s that time of year again, where we must crunch numbers and search through all of our receipts from this past year in order to inform the government of our yearly spending habits.

It’s tax season. What if we could avoid this complicated process, though? Even better, what if doing so was free? Monmouth College has been providing such a service for the past eight years, under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The program is run by computer, eliminating the chance for computation errors and is as easy as visiting one of the designated sites during the next few months with your information in hand.

All that is required is: Social Security Number, proof of income such as a W-2 or 1099 form, last year’s returns, deduction information, information of daycare provider, stock transactions, written consent of all filers involved and a voided check to allow return deposits. Small businesses can also take advantage of this opportunity.

This program also benefits the students who volunteer their time. “We are certainly pleased with the success of this program and the value to both the students and surrounding communities,” said Judy Peterson, associate professor of accounting and head of the tax program.

Not only do the Monmouth students learn the process of filing for taxes, but also develop skills needed for their post-college lives, such as interview experience, people skills, how to work with a community and possibly even issues which a community faces under certain tax laws. It can prove invaluable to have these skills whether the student pursues a career in accounting, or any job which requires social skills, since this year the program is open to students with any major. The only prerequisite to the program is to be of junior standing and to take Accounting 364, followed by a workshop and test to certify the students.

As for letting college student do your taxes, there is no need to worry as they are more than qualified. The Monmouth College students have received nothing but praise from the local townspeople and have earned a 4.93 out of five rating for their services. They were even requested by the town hall to open their current site in Galesburg.

Sessions will take place in the following locations: McMichael Academic building, room 308 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Mondays