Geneva Relieves Community of "Taxing" Burden

by Jocelyn Englehart '18

Geneva College is offering valuable, free tax return services for eligible taxpayers as a site for VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), an IRS program to help people with their basic tax returns. The VITA program consists of IRS-certified volunteers who provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing.

Geneva's student-run VITA program is available through mid-April to help community members with disabilities and/or low incomes, and those who are retired, have several jobs or limited English speaking skills in preparing their tax returns. 

Dr. Gary Vander PlaatsGeneva College Professor of Business Dr. Gary VanderPlaats offers students in his taxation class no cumulative final exam if they successfully participate in VITA.

He says, “The Geneva College business department is proud to offer VITA for families of the Beaver Falls community. It gives students a real-world experience in the power of their new skillsets to show the love of Jesus by helping those who need it. The idea that accounting can be ministry is exciting to them.”

Not all students who participate are accounting majors; some are business majors or just simply students who are taking Dr. VanderPlaats' taxation class. Their participation helps them prepare for their certified public accountant (CPA) certification, gain experience reading W-2 and tax forms and practice communication skills as they work with people of different backgrounds. However, it’s not just about what they can get out of VITA. Many students involved in the program enjoy giving back and helping their community.

Senior Nicholas Keifner, who helped with the VITA program in the spring of 2017 says, “The best part about giving back would be taking care of something that most people do not understand.”

He and his fellow students are able to use the unique skills they are learning at Geneva to tackle the frustrating tasks involved in filling out annual tax forms. Keifner adds, “I feel good when I help people with simple things, but helping with taxes is different because we have the opportunity to help them deal with some of the most complicated forms they will see.”


“Helping with taxes is different because we have the opportunity to help people with some of the most complicated forms they will see.
― Nicholas Keifner, Accounting major, Geneva College


Geneva’s involvement in the VITA program is a blessing for both the students who get to improve their accounting and relationship building skills and for the community of neighbors who make use of the service. Geneva is able to lift the burden of filing tax returns and provide peace of mind to those who might have worried about filling them out incorrectly.

The involvement of Geneva in the VITA program has already helped numerous community members. Geneva’s clients reported being pleased with the quality of service provided to them and being grateful for the quick and correct filing of their income taxes.

For assistance through Geneva College's VITA program sponsored by the IRS, taxpayers must make under $60,000 annually OR be over 60 years of age. To make an appointment for Geneva's VITA program, call 724-847-6463 to leave a message with contact information.



From the Geneva Blog:
How Faith Is Nurtured at Geneva College

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Geneva College students have many opportunities to grow and stretch their faith in ways they never thought possible. The college takes seriously the care provided to students, meeting their needs now and guiding them to a relationship with Jesus who continues to fulfill their needs forever. There are so many ways to get involved on campus that everywhere you look there are more opportunities to learn about God and His Word.

One way is through the events and activities that take place on the Geneva campus. Upper Room is a student-led service of praise and Bible study that meets on one night a week. There, students play various instruments and sing to praise the Lord, read His word, and pray with each other. This event is well attended and a great way to spend time with God and other believers during the week. Another weekly event is Chapel.  More...

March 2018

The Genevans Celebrate 80th Anniversary With “Soli Deo Gloria” Concerts
MUSIC
The Genevans Celebrate 80th Anniversary With “Soli Deo Gloria” Concerts
The Genevans, the Geneva College student choir, begin a busy 80th season of concerts and travel with a program entitled “Soli Deo Gloria” at the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh on February 28, 2018. A tour, their spring concert and alumni reunion concert follow in March.
Geneva Business Professor Offers Incentive to Accounting Students
ACADEMIC AWARD
Geneva Business Professor Offers Incentive to Accounting Students
Geneva College announces a $5,000 award, thanks to business professor Dr. Gary VanderPlaats. The award is for accounting graduates who qualify for the Elijah Watt Sells Award based on outstanding performance on the Uniform CPA Examination.
Geneva to Host Local K-5 Students at STEAM Night
EVENTS
Geneva to Host Local K-5 Students at STEAM Night
Geneva's Education Department hosts the inaugural STEAM Night event TONIGHT, March 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for children from K-5th grade and their parents to experience demonstrations and participate in activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

"I don’t want students to come to school just because they have to; I want them to really enjoy learning and really be interested in the subject matter." ...Read more

- Josh Duffie Elementary Ed / Special Ed


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Geneva College
3200 College Ave.
Beaver Falls, PA 15010
www.geneva.edu