Free tax preparation workshops at Alexandria and Woodbridge can help students save the money of a tax preparer.

Tax season is rapidly approaching, and with it the stress of complicated tax laws. However, with free tax preparation workshops at NOVA and special tax credits for students, there are many ways to make the season easier.

There are several tax provisions that are designed to help students. One is the Hope Credit which can provide $2,500 for education expenses; the other is the Lifetime Learning Credit that affords a broad range of tax refunds for educational expenses.

The Hope Credit is available to students completing their first two years of college, who are working on a degree, and who are enrolled at least half time. Even though the tax is called a credit, it is not refundable. In other words, if the credit is more than the amount paid in taxes no extra money will be granted.

The Lifetime Learning Credit pays 20 percent of the first $10,000 spent on educational expenses. The Lifetime Learning Credit also can be used by more students, including those pursuing graduate and professional goals.

NOVA, in partnership with the Northern Virginia Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope Campaign, holds tax workshops from January to mid-April to help low income, and those with low English proficiency file taxes.

Volunteers are trained in tax preparation basics and in special tax credits. They can also assist in free electronic filing of taxes. The campaign is part of a broader initiative run by the IRS, which trains and certifies volunteer tax preparers.

Tax preparation is held by appointment only at the Alexandria and Woodbridge campuses. An appointment at the Alexandria campus can be scheduled by calling 703-845-6222. To make an appointment at the Woodbridge campus, call 703-878-5684. More locations throughout the Northern Virginia area for these tax workshops can be found at nvacash.org

By: Joshua Davis

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