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News

VITA to assist foreign filers

International students who need help with tax returns can get it this month at three on-campus sessions

by ROLANDO DANS JR. 
The Daily Cougar 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will assist foreign students who need help filing their income tax returns at three on-campus sessions this month.

The UH VITA program -- in operation since 1998 -- was created out of a concern for international students' compliance with U.S. tax laws, E. Rhett Buck, certified public accountant and member of the Houston CPA Society, said. 

"We were asked by Keith Gernold, who is the tax director for the University … to see if something could be done," Buck said. "He was concerned that students didn't know how to file tax returns, and no one was available to help them prepare them."

The Houston CPA Society asked Buck, who has a background in non-resident taxation, to organize the effort. The Internal Revenue Service worked with Buck to establish an approved tax preparation site. The Houston CPA Society and volunteers supplied the manpower and used supplies provided by the IRS.

The service is open to any international student or scholar, even those not from the University, Buck said. Those who earn less than $39,000 a year also qualify for assistance.

"Usually our foreign nationals cannot afford to hire someone like Rhett to perform tax services," Gernold said. 

Hilda Maraachlian, a graduate student in finance, heard about VITA from International Student and Scholar Services.

"It's helping me to file my tax forms," Maraachlian, who is from Lebanon, said. 

Last year, she had tried preparing her tax return herself, but still went to VITA for help.

"Because of the differing tax laws and treaties with various countries, some students qualify for different deductions and exemptions than other students," Buck said. "If they don't comply with U.S. tax laws, then they put at risk their continuing qualification to remain in the country in accordance with their visa requirements."

Students can get help from VITA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 17, 24 and 31 in the University Center's Bayou City Room. 

For more information, including what to bring to the sessions, contact the International Student and Scholar Services office at (713) 743-5065.

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