Yellowstone Times

Accounting students from Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship will offer free tax preparation assistance for MSU students and individuals with an income below $60,000. These sessions will be conducted on the MSU campus in Jabs Hall, Room 215, from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. on specific dates between February 24 and April 2.

Appointments are encouraged due to limited walk-in availability. Bookings can be made online at https://bit.ly/msu-vita-2025. Organizers advise making only one appointment per person; multiple bookings will result in removal from the schedule.

Upper-division and graduate accounting students will assist with federal and state income tax returns and answer related questions. Free electronic filing is available for most 1040 forms. Attendees should bring necessary documents such as W-2 forms, Forms 1099, Affordable Care statements, a picture ID, Social Security cards for all listed individuals on the return, and previous year tax returns if available.

This initiative is part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service aimed at helping those who may struggle to afford tax preparation services while providing practical experience to accounting students.

Each volunteer has passed an IRS exam, completed comprehensive coursework in taxation, received training on common tax issues, and has access to relevant reference materials. The sessions are sponsored by the MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“The mutually beneficial nature of this important program is what makes it so exciting,” said Brian Gillespie, dean of MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “Students gain valuable real-world experience in accounting while providing an essential service to the local community.”

For more information, visit the VITA page on the MSU website.