VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Free tax assistance at Minot State University

MSU accounting students are fully-trained and ready to prepare your federal and state income tax returns on our campus during the next tax season.

We are an IRS-sponsored program which provides income tax preparation services free of charge to our community. In order to qualify for this free service, you must meet IRS eligibility requirements, such as earning limitations, age or military status. Students are trained to prepare returns that are not overly complex, so the center will not prepare returns for business entities. Taxpayers who operate as sole proprietors are welcome, provided that the business does not own or use depreciable property. The service will also not prepare amended returns unless it is to correct errors we have made.

Our tax clinic is located on the 4th floor of Memorial Hall on the Minot State University campus. VITA volunteers will only be at this location during the specified dates and times. Dates and times of operation will be announced at the beginning of the tax season. Please do not attempt to visit the program volunteers at this location during any other time as no one will be there to assist you.

Beginning in late January, you may call 858-3122 to schedule your appointment. If you reach our voicemail, a message will explain the times and dates a telephone operator will be present to take your appointment. Please do not leave messages on this number.

You are required to bring the following documentation to your appointment:

• Valid Picture ID
• Birthdates for you, your spouse, and your dependents
• Social security cards for you, your spouse, and your dependents (If you have misplaced a card, go to the Social Security office in town to apply for a duplicate. Bring us a stamped receipt with the card number on it.)
• If you receive a 1099-B, bring basis information for any securities sold in the year. (Contact your investment broker for this information. You need this information even if the funds were automatically reinvested.)
• Wage and earnings statements (i.e. W-2s and 1099s) and the amount of all other income received by you, your spouse, and your dependants
• Interest and dividend statements
• Child or dependent care provider’s address and tax identification number for the Child/Dependant Care Credit
• Proof of account number and routing transit number of the financial institution for direct deposit into a savings or checking account. (Acceptable proof is a voided check for checking accounts or a voided deposit slip for savings accounts)
• Form 8332 or copy of divorce decree if you are a non-custodial parent claiming the child
• If you receive a 1099-Misc, bring record of related expenses and business miles
• Any other relevant income and expenses information
• Last year’s tax return, if available
• If you are married and filing jointly, both spouses are required to sign the return (at our facility) before it can be e-filed.
• Your real estate tax bill and proof of payment made in 2009, even if you do not normally itemize deductions.
• Proof of home purchase made in 2008 or 2009 (closing documents).
• Proof of sales tax paid on new (not used) vehicles purchased in between February 17, 2009 and December 31, 2009.
• If you made energy efficient improvements to your main home in 2009, bring a manufacturer's certification statement.
• Form 1098-T for tuition and scholarship information.

Generally, your return will be electronically filed and if you are due a refund, you can expect to receive your refund within 2-3 weeks, provided your return is not rejected. Rejections occur because of incorrect social security numbers, incorrect birth dates, incorrect dependency status, or other errors made by the client or the preparer. Be sure to confirm these items before coming to the site.

If you owe tax to the IRS and/or state(s) for the current year’s return, you may e-file any time before the due date and still wait until April 15th to pay the amount due.

Carla Cabarle, CPA
Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance
Director, MSU VITA program
carla.cabarle@minotstateu.edu