SOUTH BEND, IND. (Jan. 22, 2008) – Ivy Tech Community College is offering free tax preparation service for low income and elderly community members at their Warsaw campus, 3755 Lake City Highway, on Saturday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Only forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ will be prepared through this process.

Accounting students, faculty, alumni, and community volunteers will serve as resource people and document-checkers for the Internal Revenue Service and provide free tax preparation. The volunteers have completed IRS training and certification.  Nancy Brown, assistant professor of Business Administration and Accounting, arranged the service. Ivy Tech Spanish instructor Gracie Mejia will be on hand to provide translation assistance.

According to Randy Maxson, Ivy Tech-Warsaw executive dean “Ivy Tech encourages academic programs to include service learning opportunities that enable students to gain practical experience while helping their community.”

Participants need to pre-register by calling (574) 267-5428, ext. 0. Participants will need to bring the following on the day of tax preparation: a photo ID; all social security cards for the taxpayer, spouse, children and other dependents; Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) Verification letter issued by the IRS; amount of 2006 payments for student loan interest, child care expenses, and college tuition; all W-2 and 1099 statements; a copy of their 2005 tax return; amount of Indiana rent or property tax paid; and proof of bank account for direct deposit.

Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana.  It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.