Clarks Summit University Provide Free Tax Services

At Clarks Summit University, free tax preparation services are available to qualified individuals on Tuesday evenings from 6–9 p.m. through April 11. Appointments are available; walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

CSU students took a certification course through the IRS to become qualified tax preparers and are now certified to prepare individual taxes under the IRS program, VITA.

VITA is designed by the IRS to supply low-income individuals with free tax preparation services. The volunteers can complete federal, Pennsylvania and local tax returns. It is a strictly volunteer program—the students receive no compensation and no course credit. 

This experience has given the students practical experience preparing taxes as they provide this service to fellow students and community members.

Anna Morrill, a senior in CSU’s Accounting program, is one of the student volunteers. She said, “It has been fun to meet new people and interact with students that I don’t know as well. This is something I want to do because I’m gaining knowledge of how the tax preparation process works and providing a free service to the Clarks Summit area.” 

This coming summer, Morrill plans to be an intern at an accounting firm where she will be rotating through the different areas of accounting. “This tax service will provide some real-world experience and knowledge that I can take into my internship and my future career,” she said.

“I hope that this is the first of many years we are able to run this program on CSU’s campus,” said faculty member Rebekah King. For questions and appointments call 570.585.9216 or email rking@ClarksSummitU.edu