Free Income Tax Assistance Service Offered On-campus and Off

Jan 23, 2013

The University of Scranton and a group of local human service organizations led by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties will once again offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a free income tax assistance service offered to individuals, families and senior citizens whose household income for 2012 is below $49,000.

University of Scranton accounting students and a host of professional United Way volunteers will provide tax assistance at multiple locations in Lackawanna and Wayne counties in February, March and early in April. 

“Last year, 26 volunteers and University students provided more than 2,000 hours of service through the VITA program to complete almost 1,600 tax returns,” noted Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. “These dedicated volunteers return year after year and graciously give of their own time throughout the tax season to help area families and individuals become more financially stable and economically independent.”

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); real estate tax receipts; Social Security numbers or ITIN for all taxpayers and dependents; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents if appropriate; W-7 forms if appropriate; last year’s tax returns; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); and a personal banking account check if you would like direct deposit.

The VITA walk-in service (no appointment 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 Tuesday, Feb. 7, to Wednesday, March 20, and from Tuesday, April 2, to Friday, April 5. 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 , except for March 1, which is 9 a.m. to noon. Service will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis and advance appointments cannot be made. For additional information, call 941-4045.

Appointments are required for VITA service offered by United Way volunteers at the Carbondale Senior Community Center, the Valley Community Library in Peckville, the Taylor Community Library, the Abington Volunteer Fire Company, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce in Honesdale and Woodloch Pines in Hawley. (See the attached schedule for dates and times).

Appointments are also required for a special kick-off session on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, and for a session on Saturday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The University of Scranton. Call (570) 504-0614 to make an appointment.

The full schedule is also available by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling (570) 504-0614.

University of Scranton accounting students have participated in the VITA program for more than 20 years.

VITA program partners are The University of Scranton, 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, the Lackawanna County Library System, the Consumer Credit Counseling of NEPA and the IRS.


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 household incomes below $49,000 for 2012.

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. 5 – March 20; April 2 – April 5;
Monday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday: noon to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Feb. 8, 15, 22; March 8, 15; April 5)
Friday: 9 a.m. to noon (March 1)
(Note: office will close 3 p.m. on March 20 to noon April 2 for spring break)

Off-campus locations: appointments are required for all off-campus locations. Call (570) 504-0614

Carbondale Senior Community Center
66 North Church Street, Carbondale
Saturday, Feb. 9: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (This time slot is filled)
Friday, Feb. 15: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 23: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, March 4: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, March 15: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Valley Community Library
739 River Street, Peckville
Thursday, Feb. 7: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 11: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 21: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 9: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, March 14: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, March 25: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Taylor Community Library
710 South Main Street, Taylor
Wednesday, Feb. 6: 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 13: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 28: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 16: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Abington Volunteer Fire Company
321 Bedford Street, Clarks Summit
Friday, Feb. 22: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 7: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, March 18: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Wayne County Chamber of Commerce
32 Commercial Street, Honesdale
Saturday, March 2: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Woodloch Pines
731 Welcome Lake Road, Hawley
Saturday, Feb. 16: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Self Preparation Station
United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties
615 Jefferson Avenue (3rd floor), Scranton
Tuesdays Feb. 12 to March 26; 10 a.m. to 3 pm.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614

Special Super Sunday VITA Service on campus
The University of Scranton  Brennan Hall
Sunday, Feb. 3, and Sunday, April 7, Only
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Appointment Required. Call (570) 504-0614 

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