Luckily, there is still time for the procrastinating students or Cleveland community members to file taxes.

Until April 12, approximately 20 junior and senior accounting students are available to help people from town and school alike complete their tax forms, Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Walker Memorial Building, room 107.

Visitors should expect the whole process to last approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Patrons should bring all necessary W-2’s and social security cards along with any other tax information that may be needed.

“We’ve had a broad range of people come in,” said Dr. Greg Della Franco, an accounting professor at Lee.

Anyone with a gross income of less than $40,000 is welcome for the service.

Filing for taxes in the last available weeks will not incur a penalty unless the taxpayer has a balance due; taxpayers receiving a refund will not be penalized.

Everyone hopes for a large refund this time each year and some lucky taxpayers can hardly contain themselves.

“We’ve had taxpayers get emotional because of the amount they receive on their tax returns,” Della Franco said. “But we haven’t had anyone throw punches.”

Students are advised to talk with their parents first to check whether they are claimed as a dependent. Independent students should bring 1098T’s so that volunteers can complete their taxes.

The accounting students have already processed 400 tax returns this year, a major increase compared to past years.

The free tax services are also offered at two community center locations outside of Lee, one on Barry Street and the other on Church Street.

Accounting students are available to assist Cleveland residents at the community center locations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

For more information on the tax service contact Dr. Greg Della Franco by phone at (423) 614-8667 or by e-mail at gfranco@leeuniversity.edu.