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VITA

VITA

The Lakeland College VITA program started in January 2005 and modestly prepared 125 tax returns. As the program has grown, Lakeland has partnered with Lakeshore Technical College and UW–Sheboygan students to meet this expanding community need. During the 2010 tax season, the combination of Lakeland and LTC students/ UW–Sheboygan performed over 2,000 hours of community service by preparing 1,058 returns and generating $1.6 million in refunds.

The program runs from Jan. 27–April 14, 2011 To make a reservation in advance call (920) 565-1543, Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

VITA

Do I qualify?

  • Required to have an income under $49,000
  • Required to have earned all 2010 income in Wisconsin
  • Required to be a legal U.S. resident

What should I bring?

  • Copy of 2009 Federal and State tax return (if available)
  • All W2s and 1099s
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
  • Wisconsin 2010 property tax bill OR rent certificate (signed by landlord)
  • A voided check (for direct deposit)

How long does it take to get my refund?

  • Federal refunds take approximately 5-7 days if direct deposit is used
  • Wisconsin refunds take approximately 2 weeks if direct deposit is used
  • Both take about 3-4 weeks without direct deposit

What if there is a filing problem?

  • The returns are filed electronically with the IRS
  • The IRS will notify us if any information is incorrect
  • A valid phone number is needed for resolving any issues that may arise

Is VITA really free?

  • Yes, there is absolutely no cost involved
  • Lakeland and LTC/UWS students cannot accept tips of any type of compensation for this service

Other Services!

  • Students will help prepare FAFSA forms for individuals hoping to continue their education
  • Financial Literacy services will be available.

What cannot be prepared?

  • Combined income over $49,000
  • Schedule C (Business profit/loss)
  • Complicated Schedule D (Capital gains)
  • Form 2106 (Employee expenses)
  • Form 8606 (Non-deductible IRA)
  • Part-year or non-residents
  • Schedule E (Rents and losses)
  • Form 3903 (Moving expenses)
  • Married, filing separate
Other restrictions may apply

Accounting

 

Best In The Nation

2005 Reports Commentary regarding student performance on the CPA revealed the following:

  1. Lakeland is #1 in the nation in pass rates on three of four parts of the exam.
  2. Lakeland is #2 in the nation for first-time candidates passing exactly three parts of the exam.
  3. Lakeland is #4 in the nation for all candidates at a college or university passing at least three parts of the exam (first time testers and repeat testers)
  4. Lakeland is #6 in the nation for first-time candidates passing at least three parts of the exam.
  5. Lakeland is #9 in the nation for first-time candidates passing at least one part of the exam.

Lakeland's program is among the best in the nation.