Trine’s VITA location helps low-income residents file 77 returns

Eight Trine University students filed 77 tax returns for low-income residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this past semester.

Al Beatty, assistant professor in the Ketner School of Business, estimated the effort saved taxpayers approximately $20,000 in preparation fees.

He said the students filed a few 2022 and 2023 returns in addition to the 2024 returns.

For the first time, Trine hosted the VITA program on its campus. The location earned a perfect 100% rating when the IRS conducted a surprise inspection one afternoon.

The Trine team was made up of Samantha Kopach, an accounting major from Greenwood, Indiana, Kara Retcher, an actuarial science major from Defiance, Ohio, Katelynn Ritter, an accounting major from Angola, Indiana, Paige Asleage, an accounting major from Huntertown, Indiana, Gunnar Hanson, an accounting major from Bloomington, Indiana, Shay Ohtonen, a finance and accounting major from Dexter, Michigan, Stashu Patterson, a finance and accounting major from Saint Marys, Ohio, and John Browning IV, an accounting major from Canton, Michigan.

VITA serves those who make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance.

Student volunteers earn IRS certification while enrolled in the AC 383 or 483 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance classes at Trine.

Photo:  Back, from left, Trine University students Samantha Kopach, Kara Retcher, Katelynn Ritter, Paige Asleage, Gunnar Hanson, Shay Ohtonen, Stashu Patterson and John Browning IV filed 77 tax returns for low-income residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program this past semester. In front is Al Beatty, assistant professor in the Ketner School of Business, who oversees the program. (Photo by Kenzie Rosenau)