Free Income Tax Assistance Service Offered
Low and moderate income individuals, families and senior citizens in the area can once again receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns through The University of Scranton’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and a group of local human service organizations led by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
For more than 20 years, University of Scranton accounting students have assisted residents in Lackawanna county with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns through the VITA program.
“This program would not be possible without the dedicated support of the University students and the United Way volunteers working together and spending countless hours throughout the tax season to help families and individuals become more financially stable and economically independent,” said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “This program is a prime example of bringing community partners together to advance the common good for all in our region.”
Drapek noted that last year, University of Scranton students and IRS-trained and certified program volunteers completed more than 1,500 tax returns with more than $1.3 million being returned to the community.
The VITA walk-in service (no appointment is necessary) will be offered on the first floor of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Feb. 7 to March 7, and from March 19 to March 30. 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.
Residents 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 kick-off session on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, and for a session on Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m.. at The University of Scranton. Call 343-1267, ext. 222, to make an appointment.
Appointments are also required for VITA service offered by volunteers organized by the United Way at area community centers, including the Carbondale Senior Community Center, the Valley Community Library in Peckville, the Taylor Community Library, the Abington Area Community Library, the Elmhurst Municipal Building, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Honesdale and Woodloch Pines in Hawley. (See the attached schedule for dates and time.) The full schedule is also available by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 343-1267, ext. 222.)
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Service Locations and Dates
Accounting students from The University of Scranton and volunteers organized through 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. 7 – March 7; March 19 – March 30
Monday: 9 a.m.. to 3 p.m.. (Feb. 13, 20, 27, March 5, 19, 26)
Tuesday: noon to 6 p.m.. (Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 20, 27)
Wednesday: 9 a.m.. to 3 p.m.. (Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29, March 7, 21, 28)
Friday: 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m.. (Feb. 10, 17, 24 and March 23)
Friday: 9 a.m.. to noon (March 2, March 30)
(Note: office will close 3 p.m.. on March 16 to 9 a.m.. on March 28 for spring break)
Off-campus locations: appointments are required for all off-campus locations.
Call 343-1267, ext. 222.
Carbondale Senior Community Center
66 North Church Street, Carbondale
Saturday, Feb. 11: 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m.. (This time slot is filled)
Friday, Feb. 17: 2 p.m.. to 6 p.m..
Saturday, Feb 25: 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m..
Friday, March 9: 2 p.m.. to 6 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Valley Community Library
739 River Street, Peckville
Friday, Feb. 10: 11 a.m.. to 3 p.m.. (This time slot is filled)
Thursday, Feb. 16: 4 p.m.. to 8 p.m.. (This time slot is filled)
Wednesday, Feb 29: 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m..
Saturday, March 24: 10:30 a.m.. to 2:30 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Taylor Community Library
710 South Main Street, Taylor
Wednesday, Feb. 8: 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m..
Thursday, Feb. 23: 4 p.m.. to 8 p.m..
Monday, March 5: 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m..
Wednesday, March 14: 12 p.m.. to 4 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Abington Volunteer Fire Company
321 Bedford Street, Clarks Summit
Wednesday, Feb. 15: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..
Thursday, March 1: 4 p.m.. to 8 p.m..
Friday, March 30: 12 p.m.. to 4 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Elmhurst Municipal Building
Municipal Lane, Elmhurst
Thursday, March 22; 3 to 7 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
32 Commercial Street, Honesdale
Saturday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Woodloch Pines (Keystone Room)
731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley
Saturday, Mar. 3: 10 a.m.. to 2 p.m..
Special Super Sunday VITA Service on campus
Appointment Required.
The University of Scranton Brennan Hall
Sunday, Feb. 5: 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m..
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
Special Super Saturday VITA Service
Appointment Required.
The University of Scranton Brennan Hall
Saturday, April 1: 9 a.m.. to 1 p.m..
A Spanish language interpreter is available upon request.
Appointment Required. Call 343-1267, ext. 222
