Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

About VITA

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free basic tax return preparation to eligible individuals. Although the program is managed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the site is operated and staffed by student volunteers who are IRS-certified. Through their participation in the program, students gain valuable hands-on experience in an internship-like environment, working directly with members of the community to provide tax preparation service to individuals and families who might not otherwise have access to it.

The VITA program is offered during the Winter semester and is open to students who have completed the Introduction to Individual Income Taxation prerequisite course. Students must pass the IRS Advanced Certification exam, as well as earn the Intake/Interview and Quality Review certification and the Volunteer Standards of Conduct certification, before the site opens for client intake.