Nichols College faculty and students offer free income tax preparation with VITA program
DUDLEY, Mass. – Nichols College is hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during tax season this year, offering free tax preparation to those in the community whose gross income is $60,000 or less. The VITA program is sponsored by the IRS.
The Nichols VITA staff currently consists of Nichols accounting faculty and students. An expert in the intersection of law, accounting and tax and a former active litigator and municipal court judge, Program Chair and Assistant Professor of Accounting Mike Forte, created and now leads the VITA programs at Nichols.
“We are excited to host a VITA program at Nichols and provide free tax help to community members this year,” said Forte. “There could be people who are struggling to do their taxes themselves or not filing at all and thereby not able to gain from the credits that they are eligible for. The VITA program provides them with the ability to do so by offering tax help.”
There are many advantages to hosting the program at Nichols, noted Forte. “It provides a service to the community while also offering participating students with an experiential learning opportunity. It also provides other professionals in the community with volunteer hours to help them maintain their certifications.”
Forte said additional volunteers are welcomed. Accountants and lawyers who have continuing professional education requirements are eligible to get them satisfied or partially satisfied by volunteering for the program. Graduate students may also be interested in volunteering for the program.
VITA program staff can meet clients on campus, virtually or by phone. Volunteers helping to complete tax returns are certified by the IRS, and reviewers will ensure the accuracy of each completed tax return. Appointments can be made for anyone whose income meets requirements for the Nichols College VITA program. Appointments can be scheduled via phone 508-213-2260 or email vita@nichols.edu.
For more information on the VITA programs, visit: https://www.nichols.edu/vita. Potential volunteers may contact Michael Forte at vita@nichols.edu or 508-213-2260.
About Nichols College
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.
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