Students on Campus

News Release

LCSC Business Division students once again helping with tax returns

Students in the Lewis-Clark State College Business Division are offering free assistance to help residents of the Lewiston-Clarkston area with 2012 tax returns. The college has been offering the service for eight years.
The students are participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. They are trained in using material from the IRS, including IRS software, to complete tax forms. The students went through LCSC Associate Professor Randy Eriksen's two tax courses prior to this semester. The students then took part in an IRS clinic and passed an IRS-sponsored exam.
The students are offering tax help on Tuesdays through April 15, from 6-9 p.m. in Room 12, located in the basement of the LCSC Administration Building. The tax assistance is open to all and students are trained to help with nearly all forms and schedules. Those seeking help will need to bring copies of their W-2, 1098, and 1099 forms, along with their tax ID number. Walk-ins are welcome or people can call (208) 792-2426 to set up an appointment.
Because the work is done on a computer and the tax forms are filed through the IRS e-file program, Eriksen said most people, if they qualify, will receive their tax refunds within 5-10 business days. Eriksen said the tax help is a benefit to both the students and the community.
"The students learn valuable professional customer service skills by dealing with clients, it gives them experience preparing tax returns, and they are volunteering their time to help others in the community," said Eriksen.
For more information contact Randy Eriksen at 208.792.2426 or [email protected].