EMORY, Va. – Seven Emory & Henry students enrolled in a spring semester accounting course are joining a local tax preparation program that assists Smyth County residents who will complete a basic federal tax return.
In its sixth year, the program offered by Cindy Field’s Tax Preparation focuses on lower-income individuals who need assistance completing federal and Virginia returns.
“For the students, the experience provides real-life situations both in dealing with clients and tax returns, tax regulations and other aspects of the job,” said Sara Kegley, a 1983 Emory & Henry graduate and Smyth County deputy commissioner revenue who coordinates the program.
“For the residents, the experience provides a free tax return, which many of them would have difficulty paying for,” Kegley said.
Started as a learning opportunity by Smyth County Commissioner of Revenue Jeff Richardson, a 1978 Emory and Henry graduate, and the E&H Appalachian Center for Community Service, the program is free from Feb. 21 to March 26, and will be held in several locations.
“With the help of Emory & Henry College, we look forward to again providing this service to the citizens of Smyth County,” Richardson said.
The times and dates for the program include:
* At the Smyth-Bland Regional Library – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, and 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, and March 17.
* At the Saltville Library – 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, and Thursday, March 5.
* At the Chilhowie Town Hall – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26.
* At the Marion Senior Center – 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.
* And at the Sugar Grove Combined School – 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19.
The participating students are: Laura Creasy of Atkins, Va.; Cassandra Graham of Glade Spring, Va.; Cassandra Harden of Fairfax, Va.; Codie Mitchell of Linville, N.C.; Michael Pennington of Marion, Va.; Travis Sullins of Abingdon, Va.; and Bradley Lester of Conyers, Ga.
“I wish this opportunity had been available to me when I was a student at the College,” Kegley said. “There is so much more that you learn when you see it put into action.”
Fields, Kegley and volunteers from the commissioner’s office are present when tax returns are being completed, to provide assistance and to mentor students.
“I have found that a true acquisition of classroom knowledge occurs when students have the opportunity to apply what they have gained through lecture and research to the real world,” Fields said. “This opportunity has been very worthwhile.”
For more information on the tax preparation program contact the Commissioner of the Revenue Office at (276) 782-4040.
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