The SUNY Canton School of Business and Public Service is holding Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) training sessions for students and members of the community who would like to assist low- to moderate-income community members prepare their taxes.

Last year, SUNY Canton students helped numerous area residents prepare their taxes through the VITA program. This year Cindy Lovely, SUNY Canton VITA Program Student Coordinator is encouraging community members to join the students in providing this valuable community service.

"This is a chance to learn how to prepare taxes," said Lovely. "In exchange for the training, we are asking volunteers to help local residents who otherwise would have difficulty preparing their taxes."

Three upcoming tax preparation training sessions are scheduled in room 122 of SUNY Canton's Southworth Library:

4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28

Community members and students who are interested in volunteering are asked to attend at least one of the listed training sessions. Please contact Cindy Lovely at 386-7328 or e-mail lovel103@canton.edu to register for the free training classes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created the VITA program to help low- to moderate-income individuals and families prepare their taxes. VITA volunteers will begin offering free tax preparation assistance to community members beginning Monday, Feb.13.

School of Business and Public Service Dean Dr. Jonathan Gueverra was responsible for bringing this program to SUNY Canton. Gueverra, who used to prepare taxes professionally, said he saw the opportunity to link college students with the IRS training program when he began his career as an educator. He said that an added benefit of the VITA program is stimulating the North Country economy.

"Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) exists to help people at or below the poverty line," Gueverra said. "Millions of dollars of EITC go unclaimed. If we have 300 families who are eligible and they each receive an extra $1,000 in tax refunds that equates to $300,000 of additional dispensable income. That's a huge benefit to the local economy."

In addition to learning how to prepare income taxes, community volunteers and SUNY Canton students will also learn about customer service skills and client confidentiality during their training sessions. "We encourage volunteers to have a high level of professionalism," Gueverra said.

SUNY Canton will be marking its 100-year anniversary next year and has already begun celebrating with its highly successful SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign: Cultivating the Minds of Tomorrow. The college is transitioning from a two-year institution to a four-year college. In addition to 25 associate degree programs, SUNY Canton currently offers eight four-year degrees with plans to double that number during the next academic year. SUNY Canton also offers a Masters of Business Administration in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica.

December 1, 2005

Media inquiries should be directed to Greg Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7527.

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