Stetson is again offering free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program until April 15. Trained student volunteers, working under faculty supervision, will assist local families in filing their federal tax returns at no cost. Services are available by appointment only for families with an annual income of $67,000 or less.

In 2024, Stetson’s VITA program prepared 285 tax returns, securing thousands of dollars in refunds for families in need. Since its launch in 2011, the program — sponsored by the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties — has helped local residents claim more than $2 million in federal tax refunds.

“Each season, our dedicated team of over 33 student volunteers and 12 faculty, staff, and community members complete nearly 300 tax returns, with expectations to exceed that number this year,” said Marianne Blair, Stetson’s VITA program coordinator and an accounting instructor in the School of Business Administration. “This program not only benefits the community but also provides students with a valuable experiential learning opportunity through real-world experience in tax preparation and customer service.”

Last year’s VITA program included:

• 31 undergraduate and one master’s student who volunteered as tax preparers.
• 600 total volunteer hours contributed by students.
• Five faculty and staff members, along with two community volunteers, who reviewedreturns for accuracy.

The IRS-certified student volunteers are trained to help taxpayers determine eligibility for federal tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, maximizing refunds for qualifying families.

Stetson’s VITA program is part of the M.E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy,

providing students with an experiential, hands-on learning opportunity while supporting the local community.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the VITA Program website.