Students from Purdue University North Central tax and accounting classes are again offering free assistance to the public in preparing federal and state income tax returns. This program is designed to provide basic income tax return preparation to individuals with low to moderate incomes, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly.
Visit the PNC Website
1401 S US 421
Westville, IN 46391
Phone: 219-785-5200
Help will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on all Saturdays from Feb. 19 through April 2, except March 13. The service will be offered in Room 171 of the Technology Building on the PNC campus.
Appointments are required. Walk-ins will not be accommodated unless free time is available at the time a taxpayer arrives. A very limited amount of walk-in time is expected, therefore appointments should be requested. Due to a recent IRS change, this year tax returns can now be prepared for taxpayers who need to file an Indiana return, but are not required to file a federal tax return (state only returns).
This is the 22nd year that PNC has participated in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free filing help to individuals and families with gross incomes of $46,000 or less. Gross income is defined as income from all sources. Tax returns will be prepared for income from wages, salaries, tips, pensions, ordinary interest, dividends, unemployment compensation, or Social Security benefits.
Thomas Holets, continuing lecturer of Accounting and coordinator for the PNC program, said the student VITA volunteers are prepared to help with basic returns, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ and the Indiana IT-40. Returns which include Itemized Deductions, Earned Income Credit (EIC), and basic stock and bond transactions will also be prepared. Taxpayers are expected to participate in the IRS e-file program, unless there is some technical reason which prevents e-filing. E-filing (electronic filing) is preferred by the IRS. It is free, quick, and much more secure than paper filing.
The volunteer tax preparers have completed 12 credit hours in accounting, including at least one tax course at Purdue North Central, and passed a rigorous IRS examination on tax rules and filing procedures.
The tax preparation services include:
Returns that students will prepare:
- Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, L, M, EIC, & R
- Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Credit)
- Form 8863 (Educational Credits)
-
Child Tax Credit and Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit)
- Indiana Tax Forms including Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly (SC-40)
Forms the students will not prepare:
- Schedule C (Profit & Loss from Self-Employment Business-Form 1099-Misc)
- Complicated & Advanced Schedule D (Capital Gains & Losses) Schedule E (Rents & Losses)
- Form 2106 (Employee Business Expenses)
- Form 3909 (Moving)
- Form 8606 (Non-deductible IRA)
- Form 8615 (Minor's Investment Income)
- Illinois or Michigan Tax Returns
Taxpayers are asked to bring the following to their tax preparation appointment:
- A valid photo ID is required. A driver's license is suggested.
- Copies of all W-2, 1099 Forms, interest income statements, and proof of other income received by taxpayer and spouse.
- Social Security card is required or Tax Identification card (TIN) for taxpayer, spouse, and any other persons on the return, including children.
- A copy of last year's federal and state tax returns, if available.
- If a direct deposit is desired - bring a voided check with bank account numbers on it.
- The amount of property tax paid or amount of rent paid, and landlords name and address.
- If daycare is paid during the year, bring a statement from the daycare provider showing the provider's name, address, identification number, and amount paid.
- If filing a joint return, both taxpayer and spouse must be present to sign the return when a return is e-filed.
To request an appointment, call the Department of Business and Leadership at 219.785.5200 ext. 5559 to leave a name and contact information. A return call will be made to schedule an appointment.