Longwood offers free tax-preparation assistance

Published 10:16 am Thursday, February 22, 2018

It’s the middle of tax season, but many Prince Edward County residents can relax — help is available.

Faculty and students in the Longwood University College of Business and Economics are partnering with the Farmville Library Free Tax Serivce to offer free tax-return preparation for anyone whose annual income is less than $54,000.

In the first session, held Saturday, Feb. 10, students prepared 22 tax returns — 18 at a session held in Hiner Hall at Longwood and four more at the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library.

Email newsletter signup

“This is an outreach program that is not only meaningful to the students who are getting valuable experience working with clients, but also to the residents who can’t always afford several hundred dollars for a professionally prepared tax return,” said Dr. Bennie Waller, professor of finance and real estate and director of Longwood’s Center for Financial Responsibility.

“Tax season can be a stressful time if you are unfamiliar with the regulations. The paperwork can build up and be a bit daunting. This community service gives people the assistance they need to complete this important annual requirement.”

If you qualify for the free service and would like to have your taxes prepared, Longwood faculty and students will hold four other Saturday sessions, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., on campus in the basement of Hiner, Room G16 on March 17, March 24, March 31 and April 7.

The organizers ask that you bring with you materials related to filing a tax return: Photo identity card, Copies of all W-1, 1098 and 1099 forms, Documentation of other income, Social Security card or individual tax identification number, Child care provider’s identification number, Bank account information, and Health coverage form.

Copy of last year’s tax return (if applicable)

For more information please call the Farmville Prince Edward Community Library at: (434) 392-6924.