(February 8, 2011)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

College offers volunteer tax assistance program

Program offered by the Frost School of Business

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service) — For the next 12 weeks, junior and senior business students that have completed the Individual Income Tax Course will be preparing tax returns for free.

In return, the students will achieve their service learning credit as part of TREK. The only requirement to be a client is that you know someone connected with Centenary—a student, an employee, faculty member, volunteer or alumni.

The return preparation process is supervised by Dr. Helen B. Sikes, CPA and Dr. Barbara J. Davis, CPA. The returns are prepared using industry-accepted professional tax software and reviewed by Drs. Sikes and Davis. They then electronically file the returns and request direct deposit of refunds using their professional credentials. Students are involved in all aspects of the filing process, from the interview to the final meeting when the clients receive their copies of the returns.

The students get to experience first-hand the real world with tax regulation by asking questions during the interviews and handling the various forms of financial information on the federal and state forms. Free direct deposit is offered 10-14 days from date of filing. The process will continue as long as they have clients or until April 15th. Self-employed persons or return extensions are not accepted.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 318.869.5182 to make an appointment.


About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 373 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.