Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

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What is VITA?

VITA is a program in which volunteers assist taxpayers with basic tax returns free of charge. Although we aim to help elderly, handicapped, students, and non-English-speaking taxpayers those restrictions are not written in stone. We will gladly try to help anyone who has a problem or question regarding their tax returns, however keep in mind that our volunteers are not highly experienced tax preparers, and we may not have all the answers. If your situation is beyond the scope of VITA we may refer you to a paid professional. As a general guideline, our volunteers are not trained to assist with business, rental or partnership income. Please bring any and all relevant forms (W2's, 1099s, etc.) and information with you to the site; this includes copies of last year's returns if you still have them. We have a VITA site on Queens College campus in Student Union room LL42.

The following requirements need to be met if you would like to become a VITA volunteer:

1. You must be a Queens College student. If you are not a student but are still interested in volunteering please contact you local IRS office for more information.
2. You will be required to complete a FREE of charge tax preparation course taught by IRS. Classes will take place on campus during January. There is a day and night session.
3. You will be required to pass a certification exam and will be given two chances to do so.
4. You must commit yourself for an average of 2-4 hours a week from February to April 15th volunteer time in order to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the year.

Aside from the fact that you will be helping people, you will gain experience in tax preparation that, among other things, is an excellent resume builder. Accounting majors will find the experience a very beneficial part to their learning experience.

For more information visit the IRS site.