Northern Oklahoma College is providing free basic income tax return preparation for students, NOC employees, and area residents through April 14 at NOC Tonkawa.Singles or families making less than $58,000 per year qualify for the free service.Trained tax preparers from the NOC Business Division and area volunteers will be available for tax assistance beginning Thursday, Feb. 3. Taxpayers also have an option to prepare their own basic federal and state tax return using the free e-filing software.Cara Beth Johnson, Business division chair said, “This is a great opportunity for our students to provide a community service and gain tax preparation experience.”The Cultural Engagement Center (CEC) is hosting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program every Thursday through April 14. CEC is located in the library in the Vineyard Administration/Library building.Interested parties need to bring a photo ID for all filers; Social Security cards and birthdates for taxpayer, spouse, and dependents; W-2 forms; 1099 forms; receipts for childcare costs, education expenses, and other deductions; checking account and routing number for refund; and 1095-A, -B, or -C healthcare coverage or exemption. It is necessary to make an appointment by contacting Cara Beth Johnson at 580.628.6340 or carolyn.johnson@noc.edu. Tax preparers are available from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. No drop off’s will be accepted, individuals must be present during tax preparation. Barbara Nickles is the VITA site coordinator and NOC students Megan Rice and Cassidie Schmidt will assist her in preparing the tax returns. All have taken and passed all the required IRS tax preparer coursework. Northern Oklahoma College and the IRS are sponsoring the program.
