By Shernay Williams BALTIMORE (03/02/2010) - The School of Management Science and Economics are now offering FREE tax services to individuals in the Greater Baltimore Community. Those with low to moderate incomes, or who are disabled or elderly are eligible for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers to file their basic income tax returns electronically and free of charge. To qualify, the applicant must be a Baltimore resident with a gross income of $25,000 if single or a combined income of $49,000 if married. Beginning Friday, February 26, 2010, VITA preparers have been available on the first floor of the J. Millard Tawes Center (in the old mailroom) during the following hours: Tuesdays: 12-6 p.m. Wednesdays: 11-6 p.m. Fridays: 11-6 p.m. Saturdays: 10-4 p.m. Coppin and several other universities throughout the country received funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to initiate free tax programs. Coppin’s VITA preparers include community volunteers and 12 students from the Federal Income Tax Accounting Class (ACCT 414). The tax volunteers received three days of face-to-face and online training, passed a comprehensive exam, and were certified by the IRS. “This is a community service and we are interested in helping people build assets and become financially free,” said Assistant Professor and Faculty Facilitator for the Tax Program, Mr. Hyacinth Ezeka. “We don’t want people to depend on tax service companies; we want them to save money and have their taxes prepared free and electronically." He added that most people fall for the trap of “instant” tax refunds advertised by tax service companies. “When they give you an ‘instant’ refund, they are actually giving you a loan to file your taxes and they pocket the difference. They charge you an exorbitant fee for a loan based on your tax return with an interest rate of almost 700 percent. People who already cannot afford this are paying extra for their taxes. We are trying to illuminate that perpetual poverty. We want to educate people.” Professor Ezeka is initiating an effort with Baltimore County Councilman Ken Oliver to proclaim March 23, “Tax Free Day.” During the event, Baltimore County residents who meet eligibility requirements can have their taxes completed at no cost. For more information about VITA, call 410-951-3444.