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The Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder is offering free tax help to taxpayers who qualify. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS-sponsored program that provides free tax return preparation services to low and moderate income taxpayers (generally $50,000 and below). This is the third year that the Leeds School has provided a free tax service to the community and the first year it is being offered through the VITA program.

Leeds School of Business students who have passed an IRS certification exam will volunteer to prepare tax returns for qualified taxpayers. To ensure accuracy and completeness, all student-prepared tax returns are reviewed by community volunteers who are experienced in tax law.

Students receive valuable experience preparing tax returns and they get to work directly with taxpayers. This hands-on work experience looks good to potential employers, and participating in the VITA program gives students an opportunity to perform a much needed community service.

Last year, Leeds School students prepared approximately 500 tax returns and obtained over $808,000 in refunds for taxpayers. The students also placed into the local economy an extra $200,000 through Earned Income Tax credits for families.

VITA will run January 28 through March 31 in Room 375 in the Koelbel Building (home of the Leeds School of Business on the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ-Boulder campus) on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Hours are Wednesdays 5pm – 7:30pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm. Childcare is provided.

The Koelbel Building is located at 995 Regent Drive, across the street from the Coors Event Center in Boulder. Free parking is available only in the parking garage across the street from the Koelbel building.

Eligible taxpayers should bring their Social Security cards for all family members, their 2010 tax return, and all tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s. For a list of tax returns that volunteers can prepare, please see the PDF document (in English and in Spanish).