DEMOREST, Ga. – Piedmont University and the University of Georgia Extension are offering free federal and state income tax preparation to residents of Habersham and Banks counties through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
The program provides no-cost tax preparation for individuals and families. Services include filing federal and state returns and checking eligibility for tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
The VITA program is in its third year at Piedmont University and its fourth year through the UGA Extension office. UGA Extension operated independently during its first year and later partnered with Piedmont to expand capacity and increase the number of returns prepared.
Jay Long, associate professor of accounting in Piedmont University’s Walker College of Business, oversees the program. Trained accounting students prepare returns under faculty supervision.
Clients who schedule appointments with Piedmont University students meet at the Swanson Center on campus. Appointments run in 30-minute intervals from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Monday through Thursday. Additional appointment times are available through UGA Extension locations in Homer, Cornelia, and Demorest for clients who need alternate scheduling options.
“Last year’s VITA students were able to double the number of returns prepared for individuals in Habersham and Banks County, and we are excited for even more growth during the second year of the program,” Long told Now Georgia.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 706-677-6230 or 706-754-2318. Requests may also be submitted by scanning the program’s QR code. Individuals who need language access services or reasonable accommodations are asked to make requests at least three weeks in advance.
