Students from Purdue University North Central tax and accounting classes are again offering free assistance to the public in preparing federal and state income tax returns. This program is designed to provide basic income tax return preparation to individuals with low to moderate incomes, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. Help will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays from February 20 through April 3, except March 14. The service will be in Room 171 of the Technology Building on the PNC campus. Appointments are required. Walk-ins will not be accommodated unless free time is available at the time a taxpayer arrives. A very limited amount of walk-in time is expected, therefore appointments should be requested. This is the 21st year that PNC has participated in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free filing help to individuals and families with Gross Incomes of $46,000 or less. Gross Income is income from all sources. Income must come from wages, salaries, tips, pensions, ordinary interest, dividends, unemployment compensation or Social Security benefits.
Thomas Holets, continuing lecturer of Accounting and coordinator of the PNC program, said the student VITA volunteers are prepared to help with basic returns, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ, and the Indiana IT-40. Itemized deductions can be included if other qualifications are met, as can Earned Income Credit (EIC) and basic stock and bond transactions. Taxpayers are expected to participate in the e-file program, unless there is some technical reason which prevents e-filing. E-filing (electronic filing) is preferred by the IRS. It is free, quick and more secure than paper filing.
The volunteer tax preparers have completed 12 credit hours in accounting, including at least one tax course at Purdue North Central, and passed a rigorous IRS examination on tax rules and filing procedures.
The tax preparation services offered include: 
Returns PNC will prepare:
Form 1040 with Schedules A, B, L, M, EIC, & R
Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Credit)
Form 8863 (Educational Credits)
Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit) Indiana Tax Forms including Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly (SC-40)
Forms PNC will not prepare:
Schedule C (Profit & Loss from Self-Employment Business-Form 1099-Misc)
Complicated & Advanced
Schedule D (Capital Gains & Losses)
Schedule E (Rents & Losses)
Form 2106 (Employee Business Expenses)
Form 3909 (Moving)
Form 8606 (Non-deductible IRA)
Form 8615 (Minor's Investment Income)
Taxpayers are asked to bring to their tax preparation appointment:
- Valid Picture ID (required) (Driver License Suggested)
- Copies of ALL W-2, 1099 Forms, Interest Income statements, & proof of other income received by taxpayer & spouse.
- Social Security Card (required) or Tax Identification Card (TIN) for taxpayer, spouse, and any other persons on the return (including children).
- Copy of last year's federal & state tax returns (if available).
- If a direct deposit is desired-bring a voided check with bank account numbers on it.
- Amount of Property Tax paid or amount of rent paid, & landlords name/address.
- If daycare is paid during the year, bring a statement from the daycare provider showing the providers name, address, identification number and amount paid.
- If filing a joint return, both taxpayer and spouse must be present to sign the return when a return is e-filed.
Taxpayers may request an appointment by calling the Business Department at (219) 785-5200 ext. 5559 and leaving their name and telephone number. A return call will be made to schedule the appointment. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact ext. 5559.