Linda Relyea
ASU PR
The Adams State University volunteer income tax return program (VITA) has topped the half-million dollar mark. Now in its fourth year of partnership with the Piton Foundation, the VITA program utilizes university students from the accounting and other departments of the Adams State School of Business to prepare and file tax returns for San Luis Valley residents earning less than $50,000 per year.
By March 2, the total number of free returns processed by the Adams State team has resulted in over $750,000 in tax refunds to area residents. According to Adams State’s VITA Coordinator, assistant professor Sheryl Abeyta, over 40 students volunteered to become certified through the IRS, to serve as tax preparers and help San Luis Valley residents. Many of these students aspire to become future accountants and tax preparers.
“The students are discovering the gratification that comes with helping people who rely on every dollar of their hard earned incomes,” Abeyta said. Over 360 residents have had their income tax return processed through Adams State.
Adams State’s School of Business Chair, Michael Tomlin, said: “The exciting thing is that every penny of these refunds comes right back to the people who live here and work here; and it supports our local communities and strengthens our economy.”
The Adams State site, located in the School of Business lobby, hours will resume March 18: 4pm until 7pm on Mondays and 9am until 1pm on Saturdays, through April 13. Families or individuals whose annual income is under $50,000 qualify for the free service.
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