Students to offer free income tax preparation at Powhatan High School

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Nine accounting students at Powhatan High School will offer free income tax preparation in April for people with a household income of less than $60,000 a year.

According to Powhatan County Public Schools, students working under Ms. Phyllis Bullock Eppes’ supervision will offer free income tax preparation to individuals and families with a household income of less than $60,000 a year from 9 a.m. to noon on April 12, 19 and 26 at Powhatan High School.

(Photo courtesy: Powhatan County Public Schools)

(Photo courtesy: Powhatan County Public Schools)

(Photo courtesy: Powhatan County Public Schools)

(Photo courtesy: Powhatan County Public Schools)

(Photo courtesy: Powhatan County Public Schools)

The school district said the opportunity arose from an unexpected mid-year curriculum change, which allowed students in Ms. Eppes’ accounting class to prepare for the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly Exam this spring.

Nine students achieved the certification, which allows them to provide free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

“[The students] were not expecting to be tested to such high standards in this class, yet they flourished,” Ms. Eppes said. “I want students to have skills to fall back on. Maybe they won't all be accountants, but they will have the confidence that comes with the certification.”

Walk-ins will reportedly be welcome, or people can call 434-480-1744 to make an appointment.