LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Today is Tax Day and for many college students, it marks more than just a due date. It is a source of stress, confusion and a significant amount of Googling. Despite the stress, there is help out there and it is free more times than not.
Whether students have worked part-time, received scholarships or had side gigs, they are still expected to file a tax return. Experts say even those who do not owe federal income tax may still be eligible for a refund.
Many universities offer tax preparation help through student resource centers or partnerships with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA provides free tax help to people who make $64,000 or less per year, individuals with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
At New Mexico State University, accounting majors offer tax filing assistance through the College of Business. Other campuses partner with non-profits or host pop-up tax clinics in student unions. Undergraduates can also access free online tools like IRS Free File, which connects users with guided tax software if they earn under a certain income threshold.
For first time filers, tax professionals recommend students gather documents such as W-2s, 1098-T tuition statements (can be found on student profile on mynmsu.edu) and any 1099 forms. They should also know whether they are being claimed as dependents by their parents – a detail that affects eligibility for certain tax credits.
NMSU student Dani Martinez had a beneficial experience with the VITA program.
“I had no idea where to start, but the VITA program walked me through it,” Martinez said. “Now I feel like I can help my friends do theirs.”
The federal tax filing deadline is Tuesday, April 15. Those who need more time can request a six-month extension by filing Form 4868, but any taxes owed must still be paid by the deadline to avoid penalties.
For more information or to find free tax help near you, visit irs.gov.
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