UW-Madison office offers free tax help

Free state and federal income tax help is available through Monday, April 15, at UW–Madison’s newly opened Community Partnerships Office.

The office, located in the Villager Mall, 2300 S. Park St., Suite 1, is a participating site in the Wisconsin Department of Revenue’s Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. The program draws on the expertise of UW–Madison accounting students, Department of Revenue staffers and retired certified public accountants to prepare and electronically submit income tax returns.

The program is geared toward low-income families, non-English speakers, individuals with disabilities and elderly people, but the service is also open on a limited basis to UW–Madison students and other members of the community, says Mary Rouse, director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service. VITA volunteers are specially trained to help taxpayers take advantage of all available tax credits and breaks and will electronically file the returns, ensuring quick refunds.

About 900 VITA returns were filed in Dane County last year, says Rick Dilley, a tax specialist with the Department of Revenue. This year, the department expects to complete and file more than 2,000 at the Community Partnerships Office alone. It’s likely that the volunteers will identify up to $1 million in tax savings that will stay in the Madison community, he adds.

To shorten waits, VITA participants should bring all pertinent tax documents, including, but not limited to: W-2 wage statements, information on other sources of income, interest and dividend statements, deduction and tax credit documentation, Social Security cards and tuition payment statements. Those expecting to claim a Homestead Credit should bring a rent certificate and or 2001 property tax bill, and a record of any W-2 payments received in 2001. Both spouses must be present to file a joint return. Those expecting to receive refunds by direct deposit should bring a voided check or deposit slip. In addition, bringing a complete copy of a 2000 return is helpful.

No reservations are required, but customers can call (608) 260-2674 to determine whether there is a wait. On-site child care is available.

VITA hours are:

— Throughout February: Monday-Wednesday-Friday, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

— After Wednesday, March 6: Wednesday, 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

— Monday, April 15: 1-7 p.m.

The VITA site is a partnership of UW–Madison, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the Internal Revenue Service and UW-Extension, Dane County. For more VITA information, call (608) 266-2772.

Opened in late January, the Community Partnerships Office is a joint project of the Morgridge Center for Public Service, the Chancellor’s Office and the School of Human Ecology. The office is a base of operations for outreach UW–Madison programs in the South Park Street neighborhood.