Students plan for tax deadline
Madison uses wide array of methods to appease IRS
By Kelly Mason, staff writer
Posted on February 26, 2007

As the April 15 deadline draws near, people all over the country are scrambling to get their taxes done. JMU students, particularly student employees, are no exception.

“I do my taxes myself with an online program,” junior Stefanie DiDomenico said. DiDomenico has been the information booth coordinator in Taylor Down Under for the past two years.

Although many people choose to complete their taxes on their own, like DiDomenico, there are many resources to help people get the forms filled out correctly, such as computer programs, personal accountants and nationwide companies like H&R Block.

Lynette Metzer, office manager of the Market Square H&R Block office said, “Our branch completes about 2,100 returns,” in a typical tax season. “JMU students definitely make up a part of that number.” She was not sure exactly what percentage JMU students make up, though.

Getting money back after one’s taxes have been filed is the part most people get excited about.

“I do look forward to getting my return back,” senior John Diaz, a Carrier Library assistant, said. “I can always use the money. I will probably use my return to buy books.”

“In the past, I’ve used my returns as extra spending money, but this year it will probably go toward my rent,” DiDomenico said. “It is nice to get the check, but I don’t get too excited about it ahead of time. It’s not usually that much.”

Wages for JMU jobs, like the ones held by DiDomenico and Diaz, range from minimum wage, $5.15 per hour, up to $8 per hour. JMU has about 3,000 student employees.

“The average student employee makes $6 to $6.25 per hour,” said Student Employment Manager Denise Meadows.