Get free tax prep assistance ahead of April filing deadline

Posted on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 — 4:20 PM

Vanderbilt employees earning less than $55,000 per year qualify for free tax preparation assistance through the VITA program. (photo courtesy of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville)

Families who have a household income of $55,000 or less qualify for free tax preparation assistance through a partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. The 2012 deadline for filing a federal income tax return is Tuesday, April 17, so plan ahead and take advantage early of this valuable program.

Vanderbilt’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites operate every Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. through April 19. The sites will be closed Thursday, March 1, and during the week of March 5 for Vanderbilt’s spring break.

Qualifying persons can receive the free services two ways:

• In person at Sarratt Student Center on the dates and times listed below.

• By completing their taxes themselves using the Beehive software on Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Beehive is free and user-friendly, and VITA volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.

In order to have your tax return prepared by a VITA volunteer, you must bring a photo ID and Social Security card for everyone listed on the return. Additionally, married individuals filing jointly must both be present. For further information on what documents are required, visit United Way online or contact the United Way helpline at 2-1-1.

With free e-file and direct deposit, refunds are usually processed in 7-10 days.

NOTE: VITA does not provide tax preparation assistance for international persons who are classified as “non-resident aliens for tax purposes” and need to file a 1040-NR or 1040NR-EZ. Vanderbilt’s international tax office provides information at Annual Tax Filing Info For NRAs.

The sites will be closed Thursday, March 1, and during the week of March 5 for Vanderbilt’s spring break.

Mar. 13, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 110

Mar. 15, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 189

Mar. 20, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 110

Mar. 22, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 363

Mar. 27, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 216/220

Mar. 27, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 325, 327

Mar. 29, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 363

Apr. 3, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 216/220

Apr. 3, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 325,327

Apr. 5, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 363

Apr. 10, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 216/220

Apr. 10, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 325, 327

Apr. 12, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 189

Apr. 17, 4-8 p.m., Sarratt 110

Apr. 19, 1-5 p.m., Sarratt 363

Contact: Greg Tomlinson
greg.tomlinson@owen.vanderbilt.edu