BEMIDJI, Minn. (Jan. 15, 2009) — Bemidji State University students who have completed the Tax I course and passed Internal Revenue Service certification tests are donating their time to the community for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The free workshop is open from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 3 and running through Thursday, April 15. The workshops will be held in Decker Hall 14, located at 1717 Birchmont Dr. NE in Bemidji.

The student volunteers will use their tax knowledge to provide assistance to other students, including international students with special requirements, low-income and elderly individuals in the area who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with tax law and filing requirements.

The program not only offers free preparation, but also free e-filing for those who qualify. With e-filing and direct deposit, those who qualify typically receive their refund in eight to 10 days. In the preparation process persons who qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit are able to receive a larger refund than just the taxes that have been withheld from their paychecks over the tax year.

Minnesota Property Tax Refunds for Renters can also be prepared and e-filed by VITA. However these refunds do not usually arrive until late July or early August.

The Accounting Club is providing hosts and hostesses for each session to facilitate the orderly registration of clients and assignment to the tax preparers.

For more information, please contact the Department of Accounting at (218) 755-2907.