YSU’s Annual Tax Filing Program Starts Saturday

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Youngstown State University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program begins Saturday with special protocols in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.

YSU business students and community volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing. Taxpayers must make appointments to drop off and pick up their tax materials at the Williamson College of Business Administration, 221 N. Hazel St., on the YSU campus.

To make an appointment, call 330 941 2507. Masks and social distancing are required. No walk-ins will be accepted. The program will run on Saturdays throughout the spring: Feb. 13, 20 and 27; March 4, 20 and 27; and April 3. 

VITA provides free assistance to all taxpayers, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, students and senior citizens. Taxpayers must provide their W-2 forms from all employers, Form 1099 interest statements from banks, 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 VITA program, business students and volunteers go through 30 hours of training and must pass IRS certifications. Business students also have the opportunity to work with professional volunteers who are Williamson College of Business Administration alumni with extensive backgrounds in accounting. This year’s volunteers include freshmen through graduate students. 

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.