Bowie High School students prepare taxes for free

Students from Bowie High School’s business magnet program are among the first in the El Paso Independent School District to partner with the IRS to prepare taxes free of charge.

The group, made up of some of Bowie’s brightest, is certified to prepare basic income tax forms for low- and moderate-income households through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program administered by the IRS Stakeholder Partnerships Education and Communication department.

“This program brings project-based learning and community service together for our students,” teacher Jose Ornelas said. “They are learning something that is not going to only benefit others, but themselves as well. It’s a win-win.”

Students take courses online to learn about the return process and tax law covered in the VITA program. Once they pass with an 80 percent they receive certification.

The program allows students to give back to the community and prepare for their future.

“We help them out, in case they need a letter of recommendation,” said SPEC representative Valeria Medina. “This looks good on their college applications. It’s a great life experience for them. It can encourage them to go into that type of career, as an accountant or working for the government.”

Senior Veronica Rodriguez has enjoyed helping her community.

“We’ve seen that people are really thankful for this program. We’ve had a really great response from the community,” Rodriguez said.

The VITA program is free for families earning up to $54,000 a year. Students are available to help Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Call 915-236-7078 to make an appointment.