JMU to offer free tax preparation and e-file services beginning in February

James Madison University College of Business students and faculty will once again offer free tax return preparation services to members of the community with annual household incomes up to $68,000. 

The services this year will be by appointment. To schedule an appointment, go to  https://jmutax.setmore.com 

• Choose tax preparation 
• Choose VITA 
• Pick your appointment date and time 
• Fill in your information. 

Assistance is available by calling 540-568-7776 and leaving a message or by emailing vita@jmu.edu. 

This will be the ninth year for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and, as always, there are tax law changes for 2023 tax returns.  

“Tax laws change every year, and 2023 is no exception. The good news is that there are fewer changes for the 2023 tax returns than we saw for the 2022 returns,” said Irana Scott, an accounting professor and the site administrator for the JMU VITA program. “We understand the tax laws and any changes and want to help taxpayers file accurate and complete returns. We are happy we can offer this service free of charge to the people of the area.”  

Following are a few changes that may affect taxpayers.  

• There are higher standard deductions for 2023.  
• The earned income tax credit (EITC) may reduce taxes of low- and middle-income workers earning up to $63,398 in 2023.  This is based on the filing status and number of dependents. 
• The Child Tax Credit of $2,000 is the same in 2023 as in 2022.  
• The Child and Dependent Care credit maximum is $2,100 in 2023 which is the same as in 2022. 

Last year, the JMU VITA program assisted more than 500 taxpayers.  

More information about the program is available at: https://www.jmu.edu/cob/accounting/vita.shtml.