Keiser University Port St. Lucie campus Business and Accounting Program students are gaining valuable experience as they join alumni and other business leaders to assist community members with income tax preparation. Led by Program Director Ann McLaughlin, the team is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service and the St. Lucie County United Way as the campus serves as a Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) site. “I am pleased to serve as the Site Coordinator for this important effort,” said McLaughlin. “Last year prior to the pandemic we completed about 100 tax returns and anticipate serving many community members this year as well, due to the tax extension deadline of May 17, 2021,” added McLaughlin, who also tutors students in math, accounting, and more.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less. VITA sites prepare and e-file form 1040 and prepare returns within the volunteer’s level of training and the scope of the VITA program. To learn more about the service and to make an appointment, please call 772.398.9990 or email [email protected].

“Now more than ever citizens need to have their taxes prepared accurately as we continue to navigate financially through the pandemic. A tax refund helps many of our community members pay for basic goods and services,” said Leslie Haviland, Keiser University Port St. Lucie campus Director of Student Services.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting focuses on accounting, general business, ethics, analytical, and communication skills needed in today’s professional environment. The program provides the unique skills needed in various areas of accounting such as taxation, auditing, managerial/cost, financial, governmental, not-for-profit, and accounting-related data analytics as well as general organizational concepts. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting also uses various business applications and accounting-related software programs to enhance students’ knowledge.

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 2,900 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit http://www.keiseruniversity.edu.