KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is making tax season easier for students and residents through the free IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program prepares both federal and North Carolina income tax returns and provides free electronic filing to help streamline the process. Information and appointments are available every Thursday through April 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC – 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis).
“At Rowan-Cabarrus, we are dedicated to supporting our students and the community in every aspect of their journey, including financial well-being,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “Through the VITA program, we are providing a valuable resource that makes tax filing more accessible and less stressful for our students and community members.”
The College is partnering with Rufty Holmes Senior Center, an approved VITA site for Rowan and Cabarrus counties, to bring this valuable service to the community. A team of 40 volunteers at both sites is working to assist taxpayers, ensuring they receive accurate and timely tax preparation services.
“VITA is a national IRS program that prepares over 3 million tax returns nationally in partnership with community organizations,” said David Post, VITA site coordinator. “It has provided free tax return preparation services in the United States for over 50 years.”
Generally designed for individuals and families with a household income of around $67,000, the VITA program ensures participants have access to education tax credits and other financial benefits that can make a meaningful difference.
“Financial stability plays a crucial role in student success, and the VITA program is another way we are investing in our students and the broader community,” said Dr. Natasha Lipscomb, vice president of Student Success Services. “By removing the cost and complexity of tax preparation, we are helping individuals keep more of their hard-earned money while reducing the stresses associated with this process. For college students, education tax credits can generate tax benefits up to $2,500.”
Appointments are suggested but not required and can be scheduled by calling 704-216-7719 (VITA1) or 704-216-7721 (VITA2). Additional information about the VITA program at Rowan-Cabarrus is available at es9d.lakeviewbungalow.com/taxes.