Ashland University Dauch College offers free tax preparation and electronic filing

ASHLAND, Ohio – Faculty and students in the Ashland University Dauch College of Business and Economics are again offering free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The program is designed to assist in tax preparation for those who are eligible and allows for free e-file of federal and state returns.

“AU students volunteered to undergo Internal Revenue Service training to assist people in preparing their income tax returns,” said Vicki Kaskey, chair of the accounting department at Ashland. The free tax assistance is available through the VITA program, sponsored by the IRS along with Ashland University student groups.

“The accounting department will begin the program on Feb. 15,” Kaskey said. “This year we will be operating using an online customer portal. All tax preparation will be done online through the customer portal, including uploading and signing documents. Taxpayers should call 419-207-6239 to retrieve detailed instructions on how to use the portal so that you do not have to travel to Ashland University. Alternatively, guests may come to the Dauch College of Business and Economics on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between 6-8 p.m. to have their documents scanned.

“We are unable to accommodate clients outside of those hours. You will be given back your original documents along with instructions on how to view your finished tax return, sign it electronically and print it out in the client portal. No finished tax returns will be picked up after they are completed.”

If coming to campus, bring a photo ID. If applicable, spouses must also come to campus and bring a photo ID as well.

The VITA program offers free tax preparation and filing services to people who make $60,000 or less and need assistance preparing their own tax returns. If a tax return contains any items that are out of scope of the AU program, the College will be unable to prepare the tax return.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.