VITA Program Offers Free Help for Income Tax Filers

January 27, 2023

Tax season is just around the corner and thanks to a new collaboration with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Hudson Valley Community College staff, students and members of the general public might be eligible for free help with their returns this year.

This winter, the college is partnering with VITA, a national program where IRS-certified volunteers help eligible filers prepare federal and state income tax returns for free.

VITA, which is affiliated locally with United Way of the Greater Capital Region, is working with the college’s Business and Criminal Justice Department to provide this service. Adjunct faculty member, Dorinda Bolander, will act as advisor to Hudson Valley business students who went through the training to be certified as tax preparers.

“This is a great opportunity for folks who might need help with their state and federal income tax returns, but it’s also a great opportunity for our students to get hands-on experience in tax accounting. We hope many of them will be able to participate in this volunteer effort,” said Department Chair Ricky Thibodeau.

To qualify for assistance through the VITA program:

• Annual income should be $60,000 or less
• Must not have rental income
• Must not have completed bankruptcy during the year being prepared
• Must not have self-employment income involving deductions for employees, a home office, or depreciation
• Other qualifications may apply depending on individual circumstances

Those qualified and interested in receiving tax assistance, may call 211 to speak with an operator and make an appointment.

There are currently eight dates scheduled for the tax assistance on campus: Feb. 10, 17, 24; and March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. All sessions will be from 1 to 4 p.m. in Bulmer Telecommunications Center, room 216.