Procrastinators are rushing to file their taxes before Monday's April 15 deadline with the help of VITA, the Volunteer-run Income Tax Assistance program at ASU.
The last session of VITA is Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in Armstrong Hall room 105. Students are served on a first come, first served basis.
VITA is a 12-year-old program that allows law students from ASU to give free assistance to prepare tax returns for low-income, elderly and handicapped individuals and ASU students and staff.
Lisa Tibbedeaux, co-director of VITA, said this time of year is always very stressful. "People always put it off until the last minute," Tibbedeaux said. "Saturday will be the busiest day."
Painting junior Chris Portutal came to the VITA session on Thursday. He tried to file his taxes on his own, but thought it was confusing and had a lot of questions.
"I went to three other places before this, but they were all too expensive," Portutal said.
Accounting firms around the Valley are feeling the last-minute rush.
Michael Roberts, an accountant with the Phoenix firm Bernard and Stallman said this time of year is a "madhouse." He said if taxpayers can't afford to send in the money they owe, it is still better to file a tax return to avoid a late filing fee.
Student volunteers at VITA receive federal and state tax training and must pass an IRS proficiency test.
The volunteers complete simple tax returns and give limited assistance on more complicated returns. Volunteers are not allowed to prepare complex returns such as sale of stock and capital gains.
Taxpayers can get extensions on their income taxes over the phone or online. The extension provides another 60 days to file.
People who plan to file this weekend should bring all W2 forms and tax forms.
For more information on VITA events, call (480) 965-1416.
Reach the reporter at kristin.roberts@asu.edu
