The student volunteers will be available to help with tax returns on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. in Room 308 of the college’s McMichael Academic Hall (one building east of the main academic building, Wallace Hall) and on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. at the Warren County Library. Because of Easter break, April 3 will be the last Saturday session, but free assistance will be available right up the tax deadline, with on-campus sessions scheduled for April 7-8 and April 14-15.

Monmouth’s VITA program is coordinated by Judy Peterson, associate professor of accounting, who explained that the Internal Revenue Service has provided the college with computers, software and training. She added that the college students who staff the program have all taken the college’s federal tax course and have passed the IRS certification exam.

“Last year we surveyed our participants,” said Peterson. “Ninety-eight percent of those completing the survey were satisfied with the services provided by VITA. The college has provided the program with a third computer this fall. Therefore, the waiting time has been reduced this year. One hundred percent of those completing the survey stated they would use the service again and would recommend the service to a friend.”

The VITA program, which is in its eighth year at Monmouth, has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. In 2000, the volunteers helped with 94 returns, and that number grew to 309 last spring.

“The students are very committed to providing excellent service to the community,” said Peterson. “Some of the students are returning for their second year. They learn a great deal through this program. Tax returns take on a different bent when you’re doing them for a live person. In the tax class, students work on textbook cases, but the VITA program provides something you just cannot duplicate in the classroom.”