FBLA helps with tax returns
L Lincoln Trail College students helped others with their tax preparation this year. The Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate program at LTC participated in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assis - tance in preparing their tax returns. The program helps people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
their copies to take home.
Mayhall says this was a valuable service for both the community and the students who helped. “Many citi - zens do not feel comfortable or confident to prepare their taxes. Our students will learn how to complete taxes, prepare several returns this tax year, and be able to put into real life the topics they have learned. This could lead to a side business, a career, or just more confidence in preparing their returns in the future.” The FLBA ran the VITA program from February through April. Altogether, LTC completed 57 returns and processed more than $54,000 in refunds.
“The FBLA is excited to offer an IRS VITA Tax Office this spring,” says program advisor Amie Mayhall. “Our goal for the 2023 tax season is to prepare 50 returns.” Mayhall says they first learned about the program from Barb Shimer, who learned of the program in Knox County, Indiana. Mayhall says she presented it to FBLA and they decided it was a perfect fit for a community service project. Students became certified tax preparers for the VITA program. Students completed the intake interview process with clients and then completed their taxes with help and advice as needed. The taxes were reviewed by Harlei Payne or Mayhall and then the students walked the taxpayers through their tax returns and gave them
FBLA Success in National Competitions
Students Madisyn McIntosh and Krista Phillips finished sixth in the nation at the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference. It is the second year in a row LTC students have earned a top-ten finish at the event. McIntosh and Phillips competed in the Business Presentation category. They were tasked with developing a presentation discussing the benefits and drawbacks of working entirely in the office, having a hybrid model, and working entirely remotely. The topic was chosen by
ABOVE: LTC FBLA students undergo training from the IRS to learn how to prepare taxes for the VITA program.
22 LTC Annual Report
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