Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

For the 2009 Tax Season (January 2010-April 2010)

You can just drop-off all of your information or set-up and appointment during the times listed on our Calendar

What is VITA?

VITA is a free tax preparation service provided to Winthrop University students by Winthrop University students.  The program is sponsored by the IRS and supported by the various state departments of revenue.  The program recruits volunteer income tax preparers to provide free assistance to individuals who need help having their tax returns prepared and cannot afford to pay a professional tax preparer.

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Winthrop University VITA Volunteers

The Winthrop University VITA volunteers are accounting students in the College of Business Administration.  Volunteers include Beta Alpha Psi members and pledges, and other accounting students who want to help.  The students are serving as tax preparers and administrating the program.  Dr. Michael Cornick and Professor Charles Alvis are the faculty coordinators for the VITA program.  Bill Perry is our regional VITA coordinator.

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Electronic Filing

Students that are US citizens will have their returns electronically filed, and have the choice of directly depositing or mailing their tax refund.  We recommend you have your refund directly deposited, as it is much faster.  You must include a Void Check with your information to have your refund directly deposited into your account.

International students must mail their returns due to IRS laws.

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Refund Schedule

Click here for information on when you may expect to receive your IRS refund.  The refund schedule is based upon the electronic filing date.

Refund Status - Where is my Refund - Interactive website to check on refund after we have completed your return and give you a copy.

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How to Get Assistance

What to bring - flyer

Fill out all the information (Must be typed) place in a large envelope and drop off at
1) Student Services in Thurmond 226 for US citizens (there is a sign-in sheet to verify what you left)
2) The International Center (Tillman 206) for International students
Please ensure you provide the best phone numbers and e-mail addresses for us to contact you when we have completed your taxes.

3) Set Up an Appointment:  If you prefer to be present while we do your taxes, you may sign up for an appointment open on our calendar by e-mailing VITA@mailbox.winthrop.edu.  Your initials will be placed on our calendar for your appointment.
When:
Winthrop University students may make an appointment to have their taxes prepared beginning on Monday, February 22nd and ending on Friday, March 12th (Tentative).  Click on our calendar for more information on the specific days and times.
Where: VITA is in Thurmond room 128.

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What Information to drop off

1. A copy of your Winthrop ID
2. A copy of your 2008 Tax Return (federal and state).
3. Original W-2’s from all employers for 2009. If you are missing a W-2, bring your last pay stub for the year 2009.
4. 1099’s (interest, dividend, other income)- if any
5. All tax related communications
6. Birth dates, social security numbers, and child care payments for any dependents.
7. Dependency Waiver (This is very important! If you are unsure whether anyone claims you, PLEASE discuss this with your parents!)
8. Tuition statements if you are not claimed as a dependent.

 *Copies can be made at Printing Services in McBryde (323-2221) or the Dacus Library.*

US Citizens: Items 1-8 above and

9. Form 13614-C (Interview Sheet) Pages 1, 2 & 3 - Must be typed

10. Voided check if you want the refund to be direct deposited.

11. Information Sheet - Must be typed

           

International Students: Items 1-8 above and

9.  Instruction sheet

10. International Information Page 1

11. International Information Page 2

12. Form 8843

13. 1042-S and other information about money received – if any

-If you do not have a Social Security or Taxpayer ID number you will also need to complete a W-7 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf to mail with your return.

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Complex Returns

At this time, we are not preparing returns involving itemized deductions, self-employment income, rental income, or a large number of investment transactions.  If you have what we consider to be a more complex return, you will be asked to go to the VITA site at the Wellness Center in Rock Hill's City Hall.

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Other Local VITA Sites

Site locations for year 2010:

 Rock Hill City Hall Wellness Center located at the corner of Black St. and Hampton
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm
starting Jan, 25, 2010 thru April 15, 2010.

 Rock Hill Galleria Mall located 2301 Dave Lyle Blvd. Rock Hill, SC 29730
Saturday only 10:00am to12:30pm
starting Feb. 6 thru Feb. 27, 2010.

 Leroy Springs Recreation Complex located 971 Tom Hall St. Fort Mill, SC 29715
Saturday only 10:00am to12:30pm
starting Feb. 6 thru Feb. 27, 2010.

 Clover Public Library 107 Knox St. Clover, SC 29710
Saturday only 10:00am to12:30pm
starting Feb. 6 thru Feb. 27, 2010.

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Resources to complete own return

If you would like to complete you own returns http://www.irs.gov/ has all the resources.  Paper copies of common forms and instructions are available at the library.

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Contact Us

VITA@mailbox.winthrop.edu

Thurmond 128

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