Free tax assistance will be available at Coastal Carolina University beginning Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Wednesday, April 4, through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service. The University's accounting students will prepare and e-file basic tax returns for earnings of less than $50,000.

Assistance will be available in room 204 of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration building on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 15, March 7, March 28 and April 4; and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 24, March 2 and March 23. There will be no VITA hours during Spring Break from March 12 to 16.

Please bring proof of ID, Social Security cards for you and all your dependents, W2s, 1099s, tuition statements (form 1098-T), copy of last year's tax return, amounts paid for daycare and the daycare provider's name, address and Social Security number (or the provider's business Employer Identification Number), and any other information regarding your income tax. To secure a direct deposit of refund, bring bank routing numbers and proof of account, such as a voided check. On a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present.

If you plan to itemize deductions, bring an organized, summarized list of medical expenses (including health insurance) and charitable contributions. Tax returns will be prepared on a first-come, first-served basis. No tax returns can be started within one hour of closing time.

For more information, contact Carol Cissel at ccissel@coastal.edu or 843-349-2864.