January 30, 2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration
are partnering with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to
residents in need through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. MCLA
will offer in-person, drop-off, and virtual tax assistance to qualified taxpayers
beginning February 12.
Habitat for Humanity administers VITA, a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
to assist taxpayers with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, those 50 years
of age or older, or individuals and families who earn $64,000 or less a year. MCLA
students will be available to complete both basic and advanced returns, including
those with itemized deductions.
According to MCLA Professor of Accounting Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the
United States Department of the Treasury and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA),
the students who participate in this program undergo rigorous training, become IRS
certified, and will work under her supervision.
This service is critical to North Adams residents as the Spitzer Center is not offering
the AARP Income Tax program this year. In addition to meeting a significant need in
Northern Berkshire County, Barboza said, “Participating in the VITA program is a unique
opportunity that will provide students with valuable, hands-on preparation experience.”
They will earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward
the requirements for the CPA exam.
Individuals can call Habitat for Humanity at (413) 442-3181 to see if they qualify or to schedule an appointment. Drop-off hours will occur Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. in MCLA’s Murdock Hall Business Suite 102. Appointments are not required. The program runs through April 10, 2024.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive
years – ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The
College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is
reflected in its list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility since
the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; No. 1 in the state, No. 2 in the country,
and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges. These rankings measure how well schools
graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
