TAX CENTER
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
The VITA Program offers free tax help to those with low-to-moderate income ($50,000 or less). Certified volunteers from The University of Montana receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in our community.
Location/Dates/Time
Gallagher Business Building, Room 209
Dates: Saturdays, February 4th through March 10th
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
First come, first served..no appts available.
Required Materials:
- ID
- Social Security Card
- W-2’s
- Other important tax documents
- Blank check for direct deposits
- Copy of last year’s return
Please note:
- Spouses must be present to file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return.
- Tax payers have the option to prepare their own taxes at the VITA site: ICANEFILE PROGRAM
- Non US resident, rental income, Schedule D, E, F, and H returns cannot be prepared using VITA.
Additional ICANEFILE Requirements:
2010 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
PIN number
Please note: Both of these numbers can found on 2010s Tax Return
For a list of all VITA sites call: 800-906-9887
Important W-2 Dates
- January 18th-27th: Forms W-2 available for pick-up.
- January 28th: W-2s were processed and mailed out via US Mail.
- April 17, 2012: Final filing day for Montana State and Federal Taxes.
- If you have questions about your W2, Please call Human Resource Services at 406-243-6766.
Important W-2 Notes
- A picture ID is required to pick up your W-2 in the Human Resource Services office. Office hours are 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday.
- Duplicate W-2 requests must include payment of the $5.00 fee.
- W-2s can also be accessed via Cyberbear after January 18th. This may be subject to change.
- Foreign Nationals are required to file a 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ Federal Return.
- Foreign Student & Scholar Services will be hosting a tax preparation seminar. Contact FSSS at 243-2226 for more information.
Departments
- Can request all W-2s for their department.
- Must use the W-2 Pick-Up Form. Click on this link.
- HRS will assemble the requested W-2s.
- HRS will notify the department when the list is ready for pick-up. Department representative must bring photo ID.
- HRS will NOT pull the W-2s while the department representative waits.
- All requests must be legible and include the current address and UM 790 ID number for each employee.
Online Filing That's Exceptionally EZ
The Montana Department of Revenue
Form 2EZ is comparable to the federal Form 1040EZ, and offers an improved filing option for taxpayers whose only sources of income are wages, interest and/or unemployment compensation. And, best of all, Form 2EZ can now be filed electronically - for free!
To find out if you qualify to file Form 2EZ online or for information on filing requirements and deadlines, please visit the
MT Department of Revenue or call (406) 444-6900/toll-free (866) 859-2254.
Resources
W-2s Explained!
All the boxes (1-20) of the perplexing W-2 form demystified!
W-4s & Exempt Status
Did you claim "Exempt" from federal income tax in the year 2011? To maintain your exempt status, you must complete a new Form W-4 for 2011. Come to HRS and complete the form or click here to launch the form online: print it, complete it, and deliver it to HRS before mid-January. If you fail to fill out a new W-4, you will begin to pay federal income taxes at the appropriate % level based upon your income beginning February 16, 2012.
eFile
IRS e-file for Individual Taxpayers is the quick, easy, smart way to file online.
Montana State Tax Express
Online tax filing and payment for the state of Montana.
Montana State Individual Taxpayer Resources
Education, important dates, incentives, assistance and more for the Montana state income taxpayer.
Forms
Is money earned through a student work study job taxable?
Yes - these are considered taxable earnings and you will receive a W-2 that reflects those earnings. If you meet the requirements for tax filing, then you must file a federal Form 1040 that meets your specifications.
When will my W-2 be available?
The University of Montana's W-2s will be ready for pick up in the HRS office on January 18th. If you do not pick up your W-2, it will be mailed to the address on the form. All W-2s will be mailed by the end of business day on January 28th.
What if I have earned wages in more than one state?
You will most likely need to file state tax returns in each state in which you earned wages. You should get a tax booklet from each state and look for instructions for "part year residents." Most states have web sites available with this information - look for the link to its Department of Revenue or Secretary of the Treasury.
How can social security and medicare amounts be refunded?
Taxes that have been paid into the social security and medicare programs will not be refunded to you. These are taxes paid by all employed American citizens to fund the Old Age Survivors and Disability Insurance program. When you have reached the appropriate age, you will be able to sign up for financial assistance through this program.
How come there are no amounts in boxes 3, 4, 5, and 6 of my W-2?
You were either an enrolled student taking a minimum of 6 credits while you were employed, or you are a non-resident alien who is not subject to this tax. If you are taking a minimum of 6 credit hours and are in a student position, then you are not subject to social security and medicare taxes. You are also not eligible to file for unemployment based on those wages. If you are a non-resident alien who has not met the established residency requirements, then you are also not eligible to participate in the social security program.
