LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama is offering free income tax help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), sponsored by the IRS. Through this program, UWA students and faculty will interview clients and prepare individual state and federal income tax returns. VITA is designed to help individuals with disabilities or with a low or limited income, as well as non-English speaking and elderly taxpayers.

"We encourage people to use this free service offered by the UWA College of Business to the west Alabama and east Mississippi communities,” said Sharon Stipe, UWA Assistant Professor of Accounting and Site-Coordinator of VITA. “Come on campus and let us help you with your tax preparation and e-filing.”

The VITA clinic will open Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2006 and offer income tax assistance services every Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. and every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. until April 13. Assistance is also available by appointment. The VITA clinic is in Wallace Hall, Room 212 on the UWA campus.

Taxpayers need to bring social security cards for themselves and their dependents, W-2 and 1099 forms, information for other income or deductions/credits and a copy of last year’s tax return when they come to the VITA clinic.

For more information about VITA or to make an appointment, please call the VITA clinic at (205) 652-3846.