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Students pursuing bachelor's and master's accounting degrees in the University of North Georgia's (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) will build their tax preparation skills and aid the surrounding communities as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS this semester. The program normally serves over 100 taxpayers each filing season. 

The on-site free tax preparation services are offered by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 4-March 6 in Room 153 of the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Dahlonega Campus. Lisa Nash, a certified public accountant (CPA) and senior lecturer of accounting, continues to oversee the tax preparation services. To schedule an appointment on campus, call 706-867-3082 or email vita@ung.edu.   

Caden Pritchard, a senior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance, plans to work either for a nonprofit organization or a wealth management company when he graduates.

"Taxes are a crucial part of a person's financial journey, and I am excited to assist our clients with this part of their finances," Pritchard said. "The VITA program allows me to have a head-start in learning about tax careers by giving me real-world experience in tax preparation. I am honored to be a part of this program and use my knowledge to serve the members of our community."

The list of items to bring with the taxpayer to the VITA site will be provided when scheduling the appointment or can be reviewed on the .   

VITA offers free tax services to people who generally make $67,000 or less. Students prepare 1040 forms with schedules A, B, C-EZ, and D, along with basic tax credits. Federal and state returns are prepared for free while taxpayers are present. Nash reviews all returns with the taxpayers before she files them electronically with direct deposit available if desired.  

"The VITA program is a perfect opportunity for our students to sharpen their skills before entering the workforce while also taking care of our community," said Dr. Ellen Best, department head of Accounting and Law and an associate professor at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. "We are honored to be able to offer this service as we train future tax professionals."

The students, under Nash's direction, are certified by testing through the IRS. 

This spring semester will be Nash's 25th year bringing the experiential learning experience into the classroom through the VITA program and her ninth overseeing Â鶹ÊÓƵ's VITA program, which began before her arrival.

"I love bringing outside of the classroom learning opportunities to our students while also offering a much-needed service to our surrounding community," Nash said.  

For more information on Â鶹ÊÓƵ's accounting degrees, contact Best at ellen.best@ung.edu.