Aurora U offers tax help

Those in need who could use a hand with their taxes can find help from business students at Aurora University.

Students in the college’s Dunham School of Business are offering the ninth annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a partnership with IRS.

The free service, including immediate e-filing, is available to low-income, elderly and disabled residents, including non-English speaking taxpayers earning up to $50,000.

Help is available 8 to noon Saturdays, Feb. 19 to April 2 (except March 12), in the lobby of Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place, Aurora. No reservations are accepted.

Taxpayers should bring copies of Social Security cards, driver’s license, 2010 W2s and other tax statements, state and federal 2009 returns, a voided check or deposit slip, 2010 real estate tax statement and child care provider identification (if any).

Bilingual college students will provide translation assistance for Spanish-speaking taxpayers.

About 35 business students under the tutelage of three certified public accountants who are accounting professors prepare state and federal tax returns.

For a second year, students from the School of Nursing and School of Social Work assist with tax preparation and health care activities.

In conjunction with the tax preparation, the third annual Health Expo at Dunham Hall will offer free blood pressure checks and memory screenings for the public.

Volunteers recovered $463,500 in refunds for 1,050 taxpayers last season. The largest single refund, $11,120, went to an Aurora resident. Refunds included the new rebate recovery and first-time homebuyer credits.

For details, contact (630) 844-7557 or au-vita@aurora.edu.