By Megan Finlan ’21, staff writer

The business and economics department is set to host the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Association) tax preparation services to local low-income community members.

The VITA tax preparation services will be held on campus once again this year and is utilized by low income residents from the Lebanon, Annville and Palmyra areas. The program helps these residents meet the income tax filing obligations and is coordinated by associate professors of accounting Tami Barton and Andrew Hildebrand.

Barton and Hildebrand will be joined by 10 accounting and business students who will interview and prepare tax returns for the residents that use the service. The program proves beneficial not only to community members, but students as well as it provides valuable hands-on experience for students looking to pursue similar work upon graduation.

“VITA showed me how to file taxes using a specific tax program and how to fill out local tax forms,” Kaitlyn McConnell, junior accounting major, said. “I like the feeling of helping people file their taxes and they are always so thankful. The program has allowed me to realize that I might want to go into tax accounting after graduating.”

The VITA program will be held in the Underground located in the basement of the Allan W. Mund College Center. It will run now through April 2, but will not accept appointments during spring break. The hours of operation will be Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

All questions relating to the VITA program can be directed to the VITA line at 717-867-6054. The line can also be used for interested residents seeking to schedule an appointment.