NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 

 

MCLA will offer in-person, drop-off, and virtual tax assistance to qualified taxpayers beginning Feb.12.

 

Habitat for Humanity administers VITA, a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to assist taxpayers with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, those 50 years of age or older, or individuals and families who earn $64,000 or less a year.?MCLA students will be available to complete both basic and advanced returns, including those with itemized deductions.

 

According to MCLA Professor of Accounting Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the United States Department of the Treasury and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the students who participate in this program undergo rigorous training, become IRS certified, and will work under her supervision.

 

This service is critical to North Adams residents as the Spitzer Center is not offering the AARP Income Tax program this year. In addition to meeting a significant need in Northern Berkshire County, Barboza said, "Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will provide students with valuable, hands-on preparation experience." 

 

They will earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward the requirements for the CPA exam.

 

Individuals can call Habitat for Humanity at (413) 442-3181 to see if they qualify or to schedule an appointment. Drop-off hours will occur Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. in MCLA's Murdock Hall Business Suite 102. Appointments are not required. The program runs through April 10, 2024.