Feb. 17, 2011
Illinois Valley Community College accounting professor
Rick Shields and his students will again partner with United Way of Eastern La
Salle County, offering Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) from 2 to 6 p.m.
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays through mid April in Room F 113 to provide a
practical aspect to the education of IVCC’s accounting students.
To set up an appointment, call (815) 993-1383. For general
information, call the United Way at (815) 434-4003.
The VITA program, which began in the 1970’s, was created by
the federal government to provide low and middle income families with free tax
preparation services. VITA helps those who are eligible claim benefits such as
Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits.
“We’ve seen a great response to this program,” said Rick
Pearce, IVCC Vice President for Learning and Student Development. “It’s really a
win-win, as the community members get solid tax preparation assistance and our
students gain invaluable experience both in the tax prep process and in working
with clients.”
“Students from the World Languages department are available
to provide translation services for individuals whose primary language is not
English,” stated Shields. “This year we will be tripling the number of hours
that we will be open to the public. We also plan to take the student’s skills on
the road and offer tax preparation at Service Organizations in the IVCC
district.”
IVCC Human Services program students will also be on hand
acting as greeters.