NSU Broken Arrow offering free tax service

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. - Northeastern State University's Broken Arrow campus is offering free tax service to the surrounding community.

Representatives of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program are preparing federal and state tax forms free of charge for people grossing less than $60,000 a year, according to a press release.

Each student volunteer working for the program has completed 16 hours of training and passed all required exams.

“By offering taxpayers free preparation assistance, VITA allows us to help the community,” said Justin Halpern, professor of accounting at NSUBA. “There are many households whose budgets would be strained by paying the fees charged by professional preparation services.”

Filers are asked to bring W-2s, W-2Gs, 1099-Rs, interest and dividend statements from banks and any documents stating “furnished to the IRS.”

Also required are a photo ID and physical copies of Social Security cards for filers, spouses and dependents. For direct deposit, account and routing numbers are needed.

If applicable, bring a day care provider’s Social Security or tax ID number. Filers should also bring copies of their 2010 state and federal returns if available.

The service is open through April 16, but is closed March 19-24 for spring break.

Hours of operation at Broken Arrow are 5:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays and 1-4 p.m. Saturdays in the Library Building ( BALB), Room 118.

Visitors can park in the east lots.

Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment can be scheduled at Broken Arrow by calling CARD at 918-486-2471.