Centralia College Accounting Students Provide Free Income Tax Assistance

This winter, local residents can take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offered through Centralia College. As a service to our community, accounting students will be volunteering their time and skills to help area residents complete and electronically submit their 2014 income tax returns. This free service is open to all area residents who are not self-employed. (Those requiring an IRS Schedule C are not eligible for this service.)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program will operate Feb. 2 - April 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Washington Hall Tax Lab, Room 110. Interested people can schedule an appointment by calling the Tax Lab at 360-736-9391, ext. 390. Drop-ins are also welcome. In addition to their W2 forms, residents will need to bring two forms of ID and any supporting documentation, including bank account information if they wish to have their tax return directly deposited into their account.

For student volunteers who run the program, this opportunity means hands-on practice outside the classroom. Second year accounting students will help complete tax forms under the supervision of third and fourth year students who will provide quality control. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program not only offers a wonderful service to the public but also provides these future accountants with valuable job experience. A win-win for everyone!