Business School’s VITA program set to start on Feb. 8

For over 20 years, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business has provided free tax return preparation for the community through an Internal Revenue Service-sanctioned program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

This program assists taxpayers who generally earn $60,000 or less. These taxpayers are typically older adults or single parents who would otherwise not file or pay to have their returns filed.

Harnett County residents and taxpayers from surrounding communities will be eligible to get their tax returns prepared free beginning on Feb. 8.

Certified volunteers will prepare tax returns every Wednesday from 1:00 pm until 6:30 pm from Feb. 8 through April 5 (no tax prep on March 8) at the Harnett County Public Library Resource Center and Library Training Room, located at 455 McKinney Parkway in Lillington.

Those seeking tax preparation services must have a photo ID (and photo ID for the spouse, if applicable), Social Security card (or ITIN) for each person on the tax return (including dependents), and all of the taxpayers’ tax forms.

“The VITA program gives Campbell students the opportunity to use communication and practical skills to assist taxpayers in the surrounding communities,” shared Dr. Pam Strickland, director of the Master of Accountancy program and Associate Professor of Accounting.

“We are called to use our gifts to serve others — free tax return preparation is probably not the first thing people think of — but this free service genuinely makes a difference to taxpayers and has a positive and significant impact on Campbell volunteers.”

For more information on the VITA program, please contact Harnett County Public Library at 910-893-3446.