FREE Tax Help for Those In Need

With tax season among us once again, some may be reeling at the thought of not only the process of filing taxes but the high fees that sometimes accompany them. The IRS says using such free services can save $100 to $300 in preparation fees compared with paid tax preparers.

To help ease the worries of those with low incomes, IRS-certified students from UB’s school of management will offer free tax preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes below $50,000.

Both north and south campuses will be offering the service which is especially aimed at helping low-income taxpayers apply for federal and state earned income tax credits. That’s a refundable credit of up to $5,028 for a family with two children, and it can provide some extra post-Christmas cash that may be much needed for those who qualify.

Their schedule is as follows:

• South campus 10 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 100 Allen hall
• North campus, the service is available during the same hours march 2, 3, 30 and 31 and April 6, 7, 13 and 14 in 106 Jacobs management center, known as the John h. Shellum room.

Be sure to bring the following items to receive help:

• Government-issued proof of identification
• An original social security card for each filer and dependent
• The dates of birth for yourself, your spouse and your dependents
• Wage and earning statements from employers
• Interest and dividend statements
• The total amount paid for a day care provider and the provider’s tax id number or social security number
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns
• The routing and account numbers for your bank if you want direct deposit.For a list of frequently asked questions and answers, plus maps and directions, visit http://mgt.buffalo.edu/freetaxprep. Taxpayers can email additional questions to mgt-freetaxprep@buffalo.edu">mgt-freetaxprep@buffalo.edu for a reply within 48 hours.