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Nichols College faculty and students offer free tax help to the public

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation for those who earn $60K or less

by Denise Kelley

Dudley, MA (02/29/2024) — (For Immediate Release:)

Nichols College is hosting a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during tax season this year, offering free tax preparation to those in the community whose gross income is $60,000 or less. The VITA program is sponsored by the IRS.

The Nichols VITA/TCE staff currently consists of Nichols accounting faculty and students. An expert in the intersection of law, accounting and tax and a former active litigator and municipal court judge, Assistant Professor of Accounting Mike Forte, D.B.A., J.D., created and now leads the VITA/TCE programs at Nichols.

"We are excited to host a VITA/TCE program at Nichols and provide free tax help to community members this year," said Forte. "There could be people who are struggling to do their taxes themselves or not filing at all and thereby not able to gain from the credits that they are eligible for. The VITA/TCE program provides them with the ability to do so by offering tax help."

There are many advantages to hosting the program at Nichols, noted Forte. "It provides a service to the community while also offering participating students with an experiential learning opportunity. It also provides other professionals in the community with volunteer hours to help them maintain their certifications."

Forte said additional volunteers are welcomed. Accountants and lawyers who have continuing professional education requirements are eligible to get them satisfied or partially satisfied by volunteering for the program. Graduate students may also be interested in volunteering for the program.

Kristian Macris '25, a double major in Accounting and Finance at Nichols who was a student in Forte's tax class, is participating as a volunteer this year and is looking forward to the experiential learning opportunity and perspective that he hopes to gain from the experience.

"I'm interested in getting my MBT or Master of Business and Taxation after Nichols and I am eager to get practical experience in tax. So when Professor Forte approached me about the VITA/TCE opportunity, I was excited to take it on. There's really no better way of learning accounting, especially with tax, other than just getting in your reps," said Macris.

VITA/TCE program staff can meet clients on campus, virtually or by phone. Volunteers helping to complete tax returns are certified by the IRS, and reviewers will ensure the accuracy of each completed tax return.

Appointments can be made for anyone whose income meets requirements for the Nichols College VITA/TCE program. Appointments are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings and can be scheduled via phone 508-213-2260 or email vita@nichols.edu.

For more information on the VITA/TCE programs, visit: https://www.nichols.edu/vita. Potential volunteers may contact Michael Forte at vita@nichols.edu or 508-213-2260.

About Nichols

Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today's students into tomorrow's leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth - combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage - equipping students to exceed their own expectations. www.nichols.edu

Media Contact:

Denise Kelley

Marketing and Communications Writer/Editor

denise.kelley@nichols.edu

508-213-2219

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