NDSU students assist in free tax preparation for public
Published March 22, 2017
NDSU College of Business students have the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom by offering free tax preparation.
Throughout tax season, 45 NDSU student volunteers prepare and e-file clients’ federal and state income taxes at no charge through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Lucy Huang, master of accountancy student, is the site coordinator this year under the leadership of James Clifton, assistant professor. She helps train the students and makes sure the site is in compliance with Internal Revenue Service standards. She was a student volunteer the previous three years.
College of Business students are making a difference by offering free tax preparation to the public.
“I have learned that the best way to retain the knowledge we learn in class is to apply it in real life,” said Huang. “Students get to learn more about taxes and since we all need to deal with taxes sometime in our lives, it is good to get free training on it and help others.”
The student volunteers enjoy when clients return year after year. Services are intended for U.S. citizens and resident aliens with gross incomes less than $54,000.
“Students improve problem-solving skills because some clients come in with very different scenarios,” said Huang. “We learn to deal with them by doing research or asking questions.”
The free service is available Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the NDSU main library lower level computer clusters, 1201 Albrecht Blvd, Fargo. No appointment is necessary. The remaining date is March 28.
For more information, contact Clifton at james.clifton@ndsu.edu or 701-231-7504.
