accounting class

2022 Tax Prep Program

The College of DuPage (COD) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Preparation Program will begin preparing tax returns on our COD, main-campus  in Glen Ellyn, in the Seaton Computing Center (SCC), Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022.

Tax preparation services are provided by COD Accountancy students enrolled in Accounting 2200, Income Tax Preparation.  All students are certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and supervised by COD Accountancy Faculty, who are also IRS certified. In partnership with the IRS, the College of DuPage is able to provide tax preparation services FREE to the community. 

The COD VITA-Free Tax Prep program is able to prepare federal and state income tax returns for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 tax years. Some returns may be beyond the scope of our program due to complexity. If you have questions about eligibility of your tax returns for these services, please email taxprep@cod.edu.

Tax Assistance Program Services

Free tax preparation services are available on Saturdays and select Sundays by appointment beginning on Saturday, February 12, through April 16, 2022. 

Schedule an In-person appointment for same-day tax-prep services at College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn:

Drop-off/Pick-up tax return preparation services are also available at COD’s three centers located in Addison, Carol Stream and Westmont on Sunday, February 20, with a return appointment date of Sunday, March 6. 

Schedule a Drop-off/Pick-up tax-prep appointment for College of DuPage:

COD's VITA Free Tax Prep program is able to prepare your federal and state income tax returns for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 tax years. Some returns may be beyond the scope of our program due to complexity. If you have questions about eligibility of your tax returns for these services, please email taxprep@cod.edu.

  • E-file services for tax returns are available if eligible.
  • Self-assisted tax return is available in an open computer lab at all COD sites. 

Eligibility Requirements and Disclaimer

Individuals are required to wear a disposable face mask covering their mouth and nose while inside campus buildings. If an individual does not have a face mask one will be provided.   

If you are experiencing any cold symptoms, please reschedule your appointment, as clients who appear physically unwell at the time of their appointment will not be seen.  

In consideration of social distancing requirements and space limitations of the tax prep area we ask that you limit the number of people attending your appointment to two. 

We reserve the right to refuse tax preparation services to individuals who are disrespectful. 

Income and Expense Documents

A completed IRS Intake Form 13614-C will be required. A paper copy of this form will be available on-site or an electronic copy can be found of here If you complete the Intake Form 13614-C online, please bring a printed copy of the form. 

If completing the Intake Form 13614-C on site, please allow at least 15-20 minutes to complete prior to your appointment. 

For a list of what to bring to your appointment, review the Tax Document Checklist. 

Required Documents

  •  Completed Intake Form 13614-C 
  •  Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for ALL individuals that appear on the return
  •  State I.D., driver’s license or passport for taxpayer and spouse
  •  Proof of health insurance (1095-A)
  • If filing jointly, spouse must also be present to sign the completed return
  • Copy of last year’s return
  •  Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit 

Income Items

  • Wages (Form W-2)
  • Social Security benefits statement (Form SSA-1099)
  • Interest from checking and savings accounts (Form 1099-INT or bank statement)
  • Dividend transactions (Form 1099-DIV)
  • Unemployment compensation (Form 1099-G)
  • Retirement account transactions (Form 1099-R, Form SSA-1099, Form RRB 1099)
  • Gambling winnings (Form W2-G)
  • Stock transactions with basis reported (Form 1099-B)
  • Self-employment income
    • 1099-MISC or gross receipts-self-employment
    • 1099-K for self-employment payments paid to you by credit card or electronic apps 
  • Vehicle information: year vehicle was placed in service, total business miles, total commuting miles, and total personal miles

Stimulus Payment and Advanced Child Tax Credit

  • Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475
  • Advanced Child Tax Credit Payment IRS Letter 6419

Adjustments/Deductions

  • Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
  • Final bill for 2020 real estate taxes paid in 2021
  • Business expenses (if you are a sole proprietor or self-employed)
  • Student loan interest payments (1098-E)
  • Educator expenses for K-12 (receipts)
  • Charitable contributions
  • Child Care Expenses
    • Child care expenses (provider’s name, address and SSN or Employer Tax ID)
  • Higher Education Expenses
    Student tuition and book expenses (1098-T, account statement, receipts for books and supplies); total in the following categories:
    • Expense Amount
    • Tuition
    • Fees (Academic fees only)
    • Books (Include only course-required books)
    • Supplies (Include only course-required supplies)
    • Room and board (Not a qualified expense)

What to Expect

In-person Tax Preparation Service (COD main-campus, Glen Ellyn)

Tax returns will be completed during your scheduled appointment time while working with the tax preparer. Completed returns will be reviewed by the instructor and taxpayer. Taxpayer and spouse (if applicable) will sign Form 8879 giving us permission to electronically file your returns. Taxpayers will  receive a paper copy of the completed returns for their records.

Drop-off/Pick-up Tax Preparation Service (COD Centers, Addison, Carol Stream, Westmont)

Taxpayers will bring all required documents and the completed intake form (13614-C) to their drop-off appointment. Your tax return will be completed at a later date by the IRS certified  tax preparation students. If additional information is required to complete your returns, you will be contacted. You will be required to return for your pick-up appointment which will be scheduled   two weeks from the date of your drop-off appointment. At your pick-up appointment you will review your completed tax return, you and your spouse (if applicable) will be required to sign Form 8879 giving us permission to electronically file your return. Taxpayers will  receive a paper copy of the completed returns for their records.

All follow-up questions related to Drop-off/Pick-up Tax Preparation Services should be submitted to the Tax Prep email, taxprep@cod.edu.  Every effort will be made to provide you with a response in 48 hours. 

Additional Resources

Expanded Tax Credits for 2021 Tax Year

Several tax credits were expanded for tax year 2021 and are fully refundable for qualifying taxpayers. Taxpayers who were previously ineligible, and those who do not have a filing requirement, may not realize they need to file a tax return to claim these credits.

Tax Preparation Contact Information

If you have questions regarding tax preparation services, e-mail taxprep@cod.edu. You can expect a response to your email within 48 hours