HIGH POINT, N.C., April 6, 2015 – High Point University students are helping members of the community file their taxes this season for free under the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
HPU students are enrolled in a service learning course that prepared them to participate in VITA, a program that provides free tax return preparation assistance for low to moderate income individuals. Students received training in the preparation of tax returns and the code of preparer ethics.
“I have really enjoyed being able to implement what I have learned in the classroom for the people in the High Point community,” says Christina Drake, HPU student. “Taxes are very difficult to understand, and it is rewarding to see how grateful these people are when they get a tax refund because of our help.”
This spring marks the third year that HPU students have partnered with the City of High Point and the IRS through VITA to assist High Point citizens by offering free tax preparation services for qualified individuals. Since 2012, 41 HPU students worked 1,082 hours during which 732 federal and state returns were prepared. Students are taking their expertise to various places around the community such as the Macedonia Family Resource Center and West End Ministries.
“So far we have given over $36,000 back to the community in tax refunds,” says Natalie Bolick, HPU student. “I love that people around the community that aren’t able to pay someone to help them file their taxes are able to come and receive our help for free.”