OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Tax filing season is a notoriously fickle and confusing time of year for many, with numerous online options to the classic tax accountant or financial advisor.
RELATED: Resources to know before start of Wisconsin’s individual income tax filing season
But the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh’s accounting students are preparing free tax returns for community members, a positive networking experience providing the real-world experience college students need.
The Sage Hall Finance Trading Room has turned into a hands-on classroom for the students, who prepare those returns through the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
VITA coordinator and Associate Accounting Professor Kazeem Akinyele says the program is a way to help students with their real-world goals before graduation.
“Students learn it in the classroom, they earn their certifications and then they apply it in real time with real clients,” Akinyele said via a release.
The VITA program is a nationwide initiative that has been under IRS guidance for over half a century, as it provides free basic tax return preparation for individuals who qualify:
- Earning around $69,000 or less
- Disabled adults
- Older adults
- Limited English-speaking
Wisconsin singer advances to American Idol’s Top 20
Volunteers, like these students, must be certified annually, go through a quality review process and complete IRS tax law training. 14 students are participating through the partnership between UW-Oshkosh, the IRS and Oshkosh Area United Way.
Akinyele added that this year, the program is expected to file about 250 returns.
