Free Income Tax Assistance Service Being Offered at The University of Scranton

Free Income Tax Assistance Service Being Offered at The University of Scranton

     Accounting students from The University of Scranton will assist local residents with their tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program beginning Feb. 9.

     The service, which has been offered for more than 20 years, is free for clients with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns. Students will assist residents both on campus and at several locations in Lackawanna county.

     The VITA walk-in service will be offered in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the university’s campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Feb. 9 to March 10, and from March 23 to March 31. Hours of service will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays; and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on scheduled Fridays in February and 9 a.m. to noon on scheduled Fridays in March. Service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and advance appointments cannot be made. For additional information, call 941-4045.

     People using the VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; all W2 Forms; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); local wage tax forms; Social Security numbers or ITIN for all taxpayers and dependents; W-7 forms if appropriate; last year’s tax returns; information related to income and expenses; real estate tax receipts; and a personal banking account check if you would like direct deposit.

     Appointments are required for a special Super Sunday VITA service session on Feb. 7 at The University of Scranton. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

     A Spanish language interpreter will be available at The University of Scranton for VITA service on Feb. 20 and March 20 by appointment only. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

     Appointments are also required for VITA service offered by University of Scranton students and other volunteers organized by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, at area community centers. Working with the Tax Assistance Coalition Members, the VITA service will be offered at the Carbondale Senior Community Center, the Valley Community Library in Peckville, the Taylor Community Library, the Abington Area Community Library and the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Honesdale. (See the attached schedule for dates and time.) Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222 to make an appointment.

     Tax Assistance Coalition Members are The University of Scranton VITA Program, The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA, Marywood University, and the Consumer Credit Counseling of NEPA. Tax preparation services are provided by The University of Scranton VITA Program.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Service Locations and Dates

     Accounting students from The University of Scranton and volunteers organized through a group of local human service organizations led by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties will assist local residents with their tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free service for clients with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns.

On campus: Regular Walk-in Weekday Hours - Advance appointments cannot be scheduled.

The University of Scranton
Brennan Hall, Room 111
For information, call 941-4045.

Feb. 9 – Mar. 10; Mar. 23 – Mar. 31

Off-campus locations: appointments are required for all off-campus locations.
Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222

Carbondale Senior Community Center
66 North Church Street, Carbondale

Valley Community Library
739 River Street, Peckville

• Thursday, Feb. 25: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Monday, Mar. 1: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Mar. 11: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Mar. 16: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 31: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Appointment Required. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Taylor Community Library
710 South Main Street, Taylor

• Wednesday, Feb. 17: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Feb. 22: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 3: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 10: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 24: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Appointment Required. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Abington Area Community Library
1200 Grove Street, Clarks Summit

• Thursday, Feb. 11: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, Mar. 4: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday, Mar. 8: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Monday, Mar. 22: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Appointment Required. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
32 Commercial Street, Honesdale

• Saturday, Mar. 6: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Mar. 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Appointment Required. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Spanish Language Interpreter VITA Services
Appointment Required.
The University of Scranton
Brennan Hall

• Saturday, Feb. 20: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Mar. 20: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Appointment Required Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Special Super Sunday Vita Service
Appointment Required.
The University of Scranton
Brennan Hall

• Sunday, Feb. 7: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Appointment Required. Call Jamie Burns at 343-1267, ext. 222
   

Tax Assistance Coalition Members are The University of Scranton VITA Program, The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, the Voluntary Action Center of NEPA, Marywood University, and the Consumer Credit Counseling of NEPA.