Accounting students to aid in tax returns

by Matthew Tholey assistant perspectives editor

Cabrini College's accounting program is offering free tax assistance to both the students and anyone else who is in need of help.

The VITA program or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service. Cabrini has been involved with the VITA program for over 15 years.

The students who will be preparing the taxes are part of the income tax class in the VITA program.

Not only is VITA assisting with federal taxes, but it is also helping with both state and local taxes.

According to Anne Servey, professor of business administration and certified accountant, anyone is welcome to use the VITA program. "There is so much that people do not know they are qualified for," Servey said.

Servey also believes that the VITA program is wonderful for people with limited incomes, senior citizens and people who do not speak English.

An important point is that the traditional tax deadline has been pushed back this year because April 15 is a Saturday. The deadline for this tax season is Monday, April 17.

Servey thinks that many people will benefit from the April 17 deadline this year. She feels that the weekend will give them more time to prepare their taxes and reach the deadline.

According to Servey, accounting students will prepare taxes for students and people in the communi- ty. Servey will then review the taxes prepared by the students to make sure that they are in order.

Jeff Booth, a business administration major, is impressed by Servey's dedication.

"I think it's great that she uses her spare time to help the students," Booth said.

Tony Di Marco, a senior accounting major, feels that the VITA program is a great program to get involved with.

"It's a good program, because its simple, rate free and it is all volunteer," Di Marco said.

Eric Dittler, a sophomore business administration major, feels that school takes precedence over paying the federal government money in the form of taxation. "Full-time students should be exempt from paying federal taxes,"Dittler said.

Azeen Keramati, a junior political science and social work major, thinks that the VITA program is a great idea.

"I think that it is a great opportunity for the students to learn hands-on," Keramati said.

If anyone is interested in getting their tax returns done free of charge, contact Ann Servey at ext. 8322 or Crystal Boodoo at (610) 992-9312. They can give out a list of students who are available.

All of the tax returns will be reviewed by a qualified CPA.