Transylvania University students to offer free tax help in February

Transylvania University accounting students will provide free income tax preparation and e-filing services next month for local community members earning $62,000 or less annually.

Now in its 46th year, the school's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will be offered every Monday in February from 3-5:30 p.m. in Cowgill Center, Room 101. Sign up here.

The service gives students hands-on experience while helping taxpayers navigate a process many find daunting.

"Taxes are obviously a very intimidating, overwhelming process," said Christi Hayne '03, professor of accounting. "So our goal is to ease that burden for the taxpayers - and hopefully find them some funds that they didn't know were available."

McLain Murphy, a 2025 accounting graduate, called the program a valuable bridge between classroom learning and real-world application.

"It just allows us to take everything that we've learned in the classroom and not only help the community, but put those skills to life in real-life situations," Murphy said.

Taxpayers should bring:

• A photo ID for themselves and their spouse, if filing jointly.
• Social Security cards for themselves and all dependents.
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of any refund.
• All wage and tax statements from employers (W-2 forms).
• All Forms 1098 and 1099.
• A copy of last year's tax return and any other tax-related documents.
• A recent pay stub if overtime hours were worked.
• A completed intake form (available in advance to save time).

Note: The free program does not include preparation of Schedule C for self-employment income.

For more information, email [email protected].