Business students at Houghton are once again offering free income tax preparation to qualifying Allegany County residents.

The college’s business department, in conjunction with United Way of Allegany County, is offering this preparation through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Individuals with low to moderate income (generally a return income less than $54,000) are eligible for this program, which aids them in preparing their federal and any applicable New York State returns.

Student volunteers must pass IRS online tests before being certified to prepare returns, and are able to help with special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, for those eligible. Electronic filing shortens the wait time for refunds.

Houghton University students will be preparing returns on Monday evenings from February 5th through March 26th (with the exception of February 26th) in room 303 of the Houghton University library.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-346-2211 (the United Way Help Line) and ask for a VITA tax preparation appointment at Houghton University. For additional information, email Elianna Chroniger at elianna.chroniger19@houghton.edu.