Davenport University students help low-income families with free tax services

If you need help filing your annual taxes, you may find yourself seeking guidance from an expert. For low- and middle- income families, assistance may be needed, but not necessarily in the budget. Students and faculty at Davenport University are providing free tax help to those families. 
 
The Davenport volunteers are working in conjunction with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a cooperative effort of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and nonprofit groups that train volunteers to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. 
 
“This volunteer effort gives students a chance to gain some real-world work experience with actual clients while also benefiting those who need assistance completing their tax returns,” says Deb Kiss, department chair for accounting and finance at Davenport University.
 
 The free tax preparation service will be available at 11 different sites across West Michigan, including Davenport University’s Peter C. Cook Center in downtown Grand Rapids and its W.A. Lettinga and Holland Campuses. 
 
Need some help with your taxes? Check out the qualifications and visit the links below to get involved:
 
• For a complete list of locations and times for VITA assistance, visit the weblink 
• Learn more about Davenport University 
• “Like” them on Facebook 
 
Source: Deb Kiss, Davenport University; Rick Jensen, Davenport University
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
 
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