BISMARCK, ND - There's no need to spend hard-earned money to have your taxes prepared or be confused by federal and state tax forms. Have no fear -

U-Mary's Tax Team is here. Students, low- to mid-income taxpayers, disabled and the elderly can count on University of Mary accounting students to decipher the language, crunch the numbers, and do their tax preparation for FREE if they have an income of $51,000 or less.

"We are all about serving others first at the University of Mary, America's Leadership University," says Rhoda Sautner, CPA, University of Mary assistant professor of accounting and the U-Mary tax preparation site coordinator. "We're excited because this year, for the first time ever, we are also preparing taxes for qualifying United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) students on Feb. 14 and 21 at the Jack Barden Center's upper level. This is servant leadership at its best from our U-Mary students."

U-Mary's Tax Team is made up of 16 U-Mary students who are IRS Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers. They will volunteer their time and talents as part of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program every Saturday from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Feb. 9, 16, and 23 and March 2, 16, and 23. This FREE service will be provided at the Butler Center on 505 S. 7th Street in Bismarck.

Over the years, University of Mary students have completed hundreds of tax returns. "This gives our students real-life experience in addition to what they are learning in the classroom," adds Sautner. "This helps our students' learning process and gives them a chance to work with people - which they love to do. It is a wonderful opportunity for both our students and the people we serve."

Eligible students, the elderly, the disabled and taxpayers with an income of $51,000 or less can take advantage of this service. No appointments are needed. Sautner says taxpayers can e-file or file on paper. U-Mary's Tax Team hopes to provide this free service to the general public and college students every year.

Those who plan to use this service should bring the following documents and meet specific requirements:

ü Proof of identification
ü Social Security Cards for themselves, their spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
ü Birthdates for themselves, and their spouse and dependents on the tax return
ü Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
ü Interest and dividend statements from banks (1099 Forms)
ü A copy of last year's federal and state returns if available
ü Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check

Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

If anyone has questions about the tax service or is unsure if he or she qualifies he or she can call Rhoda Sautner at 355-8358 or Mary Beth Timian at 355-8029. UTTC students with questions should contact Laurie Running Hawk at (701) 255-3285 ext. 1354 or stop by the Financial Aid office located in Building 5.