Stetson is once again offering free federal tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program is part of the M.E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy, providing students with hands-on training while supporting the community. Since the program launched in 2011, Stetson’s VITA program has helped area residents claim more than $2 million in federal tax refunds.

IRS-certified student volunteers, working under faculty supervision, help eligible taxpayers file federal tax returns at no cost and determine eligibility for credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

This year, the program began Feb. 2 and runs through April 7. The program will not prepare returns during spring break, March 2-6. Appointments are available on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. They are available to households with an annual income of $67,000 or less.

‘Meaningful Experiential Learning’

More than 35 student volunteers support the program by greeting clients, preparing tax returns and conducting quality reviews once the returns are complete. In addition, more than 10 faculty, staff and community volunteers assist each week — all in alignment with Stetson’s campuswide Hatter Ready initiative.

“VITA is a meaningful experiential learning opportunity for our students and an important service for our community,” said Marianne Blair, MAcc, CPA, an instructor of accounting in Stetson’s School of Business Administration and the program’s VITA director. “Students gain real-world experience while helping families file accurate returns at no cost.”

During the 2025 tax season, Stetson’s VITA program completed 300 tax returns, including 10 paper returns and 290 e-filed returns. The 2025 team included 30 student tax preparers and greeters; four student assistant site coordinators who served as quality reviewers; and 11 faculty, staff and community volunteers.

To schedule an appointment, visit the VITA online appointment system.