In an effort to help U students navigate the long and winding road of taxes, the Personal Money Management Office in the Union is offering free preparation services to students.
Ann House, the office coordinator, partnered with members of Beta Alpha Psi — an organization for accounting, finance and information systems majors — to help students prepare their taxes through clinics. Sessions are run by certified volunteers and are held in the Union computer lab as well as in the Personal Money Management Office.
House said over 700 students have utilized the service
“If students go into the community to get help preparing their taxes it can cost them upwards of $400,” House said. “In our office we simply ask that students bring their paperwork in and we will do the legwork for them and give them a call when everything is complete.”
For individuals wanting to learn more about the tax process, House explains the clinics can teach students about earning credit, what the government does with tax dollars and how to fill out a W-4 form to maximize returns.
“We are happy to be able to offer this convenience for students,” House said. “If students have earned income they have to file taxes. Why not get it done for free and learn something in the process?”
Landon Saipale, a volunteer in the Personal Money Management Office, said there are differences between taxes for residents and non-residents.
“The tax process for international students can be a little more difficult,” Saipale said. “We just ask for patience on behalf of the students as we assist them in completing the necessary forms.”
This year, some international students had to wait until the end of March to receive a 1042-S form that must accompany their completed taxes. This form is essentially a treaty with their country of origin.
House mentioned that although there have been questions in the community on whether the Affordable Care Act would affect returns, it was not an issue with U students. Because many students have student-funded insurance or are still covered under their parents’ plan, House and her volunteers did not see anyone who was penalized under the new law.
The Personal Money Management Office is located in Room 317 in the Union and will continue to help students file their taxes through April 15.
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