NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to qualified residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting February 10.  

 

Through the IRS's VITA program, MCLA students assist taxpayers by providing free tax preparation services. To qualify, most individuals and families must earn $67,000 or less, however, there is no income limit for those with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, and individuals over the age of 60 with retirement or pension income. 

 

Students work under the supervision of MCLA Accounting Professor Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the United States Department of the Treasury and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). According to Barboza, the students participating in this program undergo rigorous IRS training to become IRS certified over their winter break and then participate in in-person training throughout January and the first week of February. 

 

"Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will provide students with valuable, hands-on preparation experience. They earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward the requirements for the CPA exam all while volunteering in our community. In addition, students build a sense of belonging, confidence, and soft skills that will serve them throughout their college and professional careers," Barboza said.  

 

Interested individuals should call Habitat for Humanity offices at (413) 442-3181 to find out if they qualify, and to schedule an appointment. MCLA students will begin to see clients on Monday, Feb. 10, 2024. Hours will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., in MCLA's Murdock Hall Business Suite RM 102, located at 375 Church St. in North Adams. The program will continue through April 14, 2025.