VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 2024

VITA

Lakeshore Technical College is again providing free on-campus tax preparation assistance and electronic filing to qualifying residents. Each year, Lakeshore Accounting students gain certification from the IRS by performing hundreds of hours of community service while assisting taxpayers through this program.

Review the information below to see if you qualify for assistance this year, learn what information we need, how to schedule an appointment, and more.

Do I qualify?
  • Must have earned all 2023 income in Wisconsin, and it must be less than $64,000
  • Legal U.S. residency required
Who does not qualify?
  • Partial-year residents
  • Non-residents
  • Those married & filing separately
  • Any individual or married couple with combined income over $64,000
  • Other restrictions may apply
What cannot be prepared?
  • Complicated Schedule C (business profit/loss)
  • Complicated Schedule D (capital gains)
  • Schedule E (rents & losses)
  • Form 2106 (employee expenses)
  • Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA)
  • Form 3903 (moving expenses)
What should I bring?
  • Copy of 2022 Federal & State tax return (if available)
  • Social Security cards & birthdates for you, your spouse, and dependents
  • Wisconsin 2023 property tax bill OR rent certificate signed by your landlord
  • A voided check (for direct deposit)
  • A valid picture ID
How long does it take to get my refund?
  • Federal refunds take 21 days or less when direct deposit is used
  • Wisconsin state refunds take approximately two weeks when direct deposit is used
  • Both take about four weeks without direct deposit
What if there is a filing problem?
  • The IRS will notify Lakeshore if any information is incorrect
  • A valid phone number is needed for resolving any issues that may arise
Is VITA really free?
  • Yes -- there is absolutely no cost involved to have us electronically file both federal & state returns for you
  • Students cannot accept tips or any type of compensation for this service
  • We will e-file both federal and state returns for free
Do I need an appointment to meet with a student?
  • Yes, appointments are required

If you meet the qualifications and would like our students to assist you, your next step is to call for an appointment. Appointments are required. You may call during these times to schedule an appointment:

  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9 am-Noon
  • Call 920.693.1398

  • Appointments are available on Tuesdays from 1-4 pm, and 5:30-8:30 pm.

  • You will meet for your appointment on our Cleveland Campus, 1290 North Avenue, in our Lakeshore Building, in Centennial Hall, L177A.