CONTACT:
Sandra Guthrie (sguthrie@greenville.edu)
Director of College Relations and Marketing
Greenville College
(618) 664-6515

GC Students and Senior Center Team Up for Tax Time

Greenville, Ill. - A new partnership between the Greenville College Department of Management and the Bond County Senior Citizens Center will offer free income tax assistance to all Bond County residents, regardless of age or income level. The Greenville Tax Assistance Program, or G-TAP, extends the tax service provided by the Senior Center to serve even more area residents.

Offered under the auspices of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, this partnership allows trained individuals who have passed qualifying exams to prepare income tax returns using IRS approved tax software. The preparers will handle simple returns, including wage income, retirement income, simple self-employment income, interest and dividends, itemized deductions, and all regular tax credits. The free service does not include business income, extensive self-employment income, farm income, or rental property. When complete, individuals will receive the finalized forms for mailing.

Larry Sayler, a Greenville College Management professor who teaches accounting and taxation, said many taxpayers are entitled to a refund greater than the amount paid. "For example, because of the Earned Income Credit, a tax payer with two children and income of less than $34,178 may be entitled to a refundable credit of up to $4,140," said Sayler. "The Child Tax Credit - which allows $600 for each qualifying child - is also refundable in most cases. Taxpayers who paid nothing in taxes during the year may still be entitled to a check from the government."

Anna Oestreich, Director of the Bond County Senior Citizen Center, noted that the senior center has worked for more than ten years on the project and appreciates the additional help the students will provide. "We believe it's to our mutual benefit for both the students and the community," said Oestreich. "It gives the students valuable practice and gives older persons and low income families the opportunity to have their taxes done at no charge."

Both community volunteers and Greenville College students who have completed a semester long course in taxation will prepare the returns. Weekday and Saturday appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call the Senior Citizen Center at 664-1465. Walk-ins are welcome as time allows, but appointments are encouraged.

Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1,200 traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Ill., 45 miles east of St. Louis.

Last updated: February 17, 2003