Teens help taxpayers file returns

Marc Giauque and Courtney Orton reporting Filing tax returns can be a daunting and confusing task. But for some taxpayers, high school students are making the process easier.

This classroom at Northridge High School is usually reserved for instruction, but for the next couple of months it's reserved for taxes. "Pretty much taxes. That's the only thing I can say: taxes, taxes," said Nikola Mijic, senior at Northridge High School.

It's a VITA site, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, where low- to moderate-income people can get help preparing their taxes. The students are now certified by the IRS.

"The kids are professionally dressed. The environment is professional," explained business teacher Jennifer Morgan.

"As soon as you get in the groove of it, it gets easier. But you just start out and you're like, ‘How do I do this again?" explained Bret Hubbard, who is also a senior student.

Hubbard took the test to certify last year when he and others helped prepare 200 returns. This year, in the first week, they've already prepared 60.

"Everybody in our country has to do taxes. To see some of the families who can't afford to get accountants and can't afford to get their taxes done … by us doing them for free, it's been a great privilege," Mijic said.

"Last year I went to another company and had to pay lots and lots of money, so this will be really good for me," taxpayer Makalah Atkinson said.

Some people are a little leery about turning their taxes over to high school students, but once they get inside they change their mind. "I really think that when it comes to certain stuff like this, I think they make sure they are well qualified when you're dealing with people's taxes. So, I'm pretty comfortable," Atkinson said.

The tax returns are all filed electronically, and most people who take advantage of the service see their refunds in two to three weeks.

The Northridge High School site is open Tuesday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. For more information click the related link.

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