Whitworth and WSU Offer Free Online Tax Assistance Through VITA Program
Whitworth’s VITA program has been assisting taxpayers since 2007. The program is made up of accounting students who donate their time to help people file their annual taxes. Because the pandemic has forced the closure of many in-person sites, Whitworth’s VITA volunteers were able to team up with Washington State University volunteers to offer the VITA program online.
“We look forward to collaborating with WSU and continuing this annual free service to our community members in Eastern Washington,” says Candice Correia, Whitworth associate professor of business and instructor for Whitworth's VITA service learning course.
“We are so pleased to have this cooperation between WSU and Whitworth to help our neighbors in the region prepare their federal tax returns,” says Jeff Gramlich, WSU accounting professor and advisor of WSU’s student-led VITA program.
The program is open to U.S. citizens and resident alien taxpayers with relatively uncomplicated tax returns. To qualify for free assistance, individuals must generally earn $57,000 or less. The program is also a resource for taxpayers with disabilities or limited English-speaking abilities.
All program volunteers are IRS certified. The VITA program operates on a flexible schedule through April 3. To make an appointment, sign up here.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Candice Correia, associate professor of business & economics, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3409 or ccorreia@whitworth.edu
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
