BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University students who have completed the Tax I course and passed Internal Revenue Service certification tests are donating their time to the community for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. With the April 15 tax-filing deadline less than two weeks away, the VITA group will offer two final sessions to assist members of the community with income tax preparation, on Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10.

Those sessions, which are free and open to the public, will be held from 3-6 p.m. in Room 14 of Decker Hall on the Bemidji State campus. Decker Hall is located at 1717 Birchmont Drive NE.

VITA students will use their tax knowledge to provide assistance to other students, including international students with special requirements, low-income and elderly individuals in the area who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with tax law and filing requirements.

VITA not only offers free preparation, but also free e-filing for those who qualify. With e-filing and direct deposit, those who qualify typically receive their refund in 8-10 days.

In addition, this year VITA volunteers will be helping persons who would not ordinarily be required to file a tax return, but will be required to file this year in order to receive their rebates as part of the economic stimulus package.

For more information, please contact the BSU Department of Accounting at (218) 755-2907.