CANCELLED: As April 15 looms, YSU VITA gears up

Students in the Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance at Youngstown State University are again offering free tax preparation via the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

VITA, which has been running for more than 20 years at YSU, offers tax prep and electronic filing at no charge at the Williamson College of Business Administration, 221 N. Hazel St., on the following schedule:

• Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment only)
• Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VITA provides free assistance to all taxpayers, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, students and older taxpayers. Taxpayers who visit a VITA site should bring wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks (Forms 1099), a copy of last year’s tax return if available, and other relevant information about income and expenses. Taxpayers also need to bring Social Security cards for all people on the tax return and a photo ID card. Taxpayers with complex returns may need to see an accountant.

In preparation for the program, business students and professional volunteers go through an intensive training program to ensure they are up to date on IRS requirements and tax laws. In all, students and volunteers complete more than 50 hours of training.