Olivet Nazarene University accounting students from the McGraw School of Business are looking forward to another season of providing tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
In the spring of 2018, Olivet students prepared 199 federal returns and 206 state returns for other students, staff, and members of the community. These returns generated over $131,000 in refunds for the taxpayers to bring back into the area.
Dr. Mark Williams, a professor in the School of Business, will be leading this year’s VITA program. “VITA believes in reducing the typical anxiety and frustration of tax time and replacing it with hope,” he says. “This hope gives clients the opportunity to invest in their future.”
The VITA program is sponsored by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and was introduced at Olivet through the campus chapter of Enactus. Olivet’s Enactus chapter is the largest club on campus, which reflects the strength of degree programs offered by the McGraw School of Business. The emphasis on education, practical experience, and service is a winning combination for providing an “Education with a Christian purpose” to students.
Ben Lavin, a senior accounting major, is looking forward to volunteering again this year. “VITA is an amazing opportunity to serve the community through preparing tax returns for those unable to afford help,” he says. “I loved getting to know the people and hearing their stories. I cannot wait to serve again this year.”
In order to qualify for help from VITA, there is an income limit of $58,000. For more information regarding the program, refer to the VITA website. VITA will be available every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., from February 6 until April 10. Appointments are not necessary.
To learn more about Olivet’s McGraw School of Business, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
Photos submitted by McGraw School of Business. Used with permission.
Published 2/5/19
