Wheeling Jesuit University Business Department is again offering the Wheeling area a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic for the 2007 tax season, according to associate professor of accounting Kathleen Solovan, chair of Wheeling Jesuit's department of business.

The VITA clinic is free and open to the public. Hours are from noon - 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 1 - 4 p.m. Friday, and 6 - 8 p.m. Monday nights, through April 15. The VITA clinic is completely closed during the University's spring break, Feb. 23 - March 5.

This valuable service is under the coordination of Matthew “Tad” Hudkins, senior accounting/management major at Wheeling Jesuit. Located on the ground level of the National Technology Transfer Center (NTTC), the VITA office is conveniently situated on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit University at 316 Washington Av.

Students, employees of Wheeling Jesuit University and the general public are welcome to take advantage of this tax assistance offer. All personal information is held in confidence and all assistance is given free of charge.

No appointments are necessary and individuals will need to allow time to fill out basic paperwork and leave their documents, when they initially visit. Hudkins will then notify taxpayers when the tax forms are ready for signing.

E-file is available, as is direct deposit for those eligible for a refund.

According to the Internal Revenue Services webpage, the VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.

Items you need to bring to the VITA/TCE Sites to have your tax returns prepared include: photo identification; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return; current year's tax package if you received one; wage and earning statement(s) form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers; interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099); a copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available; bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit; other relevant information about income and expenses; total paid for day care; day care providers Identifying number

Also please note that to file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

For more information, please contact the Wheeling Jesuit University free tax clinic at 243-8745 or visit the IRS webpage at www.irs.gov.