Millikin students offering free tax appointments through VITA program

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — For people who struggle to do their taxes, students with Millikin University's accounting program are offering free tax appointments to help you get you taxes done.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, the school is able to receive paperwork through the IRS, and help people get busy on their taxes.

"They provide us with some materials and program basically where we can provide tax services to elderly and low income individuals for free, as part of a service to the community," explains Nicole Allen, a Clinical Instructor of Accounting at Millikin.

In order to qualify, you must have an income of $67,000 or less, or be 60 years and older.

Appointments take place at the Decatur Public Library.

"The documents to bring are your tax forms. So your W-2s, 1090s, anything that shows your income from last year. And then you'll want your photo ID, Social Security card, and then bank account information if you got a refund coming to get that direct deposited," said Allen.

While this is a great benefit to the community, it is also a learning opportunity to students as well.

"The performance learning is getting them this hands on experience. And what they wouldn't normally get in the classroom setting of that interaction with a real person ... Having that real communication of these little things might pop up that they might not have expected. And being able to think critically in that moment is really great for them," said Allen.

Spots are limited. To set up a tax appointment, call Nicole Allen at 217-424-6203.