Accounting students at Weber State University are providing free tax preparation assistance to Utah residents this spring, according to a Mar. 19 announcement from the university.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available to any Utah resident with an annual income of $75,000 or less, provided they have no rental income or cryptocurrency transactions. The service aims to make tax season more manageable for community members while giving students practical experience in their field.
“VITA is a unique educational experience because of how impactful it is for both community members and students,” said Eric Smith, accounting professor and Center for Tax Education & Research director. “From an academic perspective, students learn and become certified to prepare individual tax returns. They then immediately apply this knowledge and skillset to benefit community members in providing a needed and welcome service.”
The VITA program operates through the Internal Revenue Service, with Weber State’s Center for Tax Education & Research sponsoring the initiative on campus. Last year, student volunteers prepared more than 200 tax returns. This year, after completing 12 hours of sessions at Weber State University Davis, they are now preparing returns every Monday evening through April 13 at the Community Education Center in Ogden.
Weber State University advances community transformation through civic engagement and public service according to the official website. The university utilizes a campus on the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains according to the official website and focuses on educating diverse students to transform lives and communities through supportive learning and civic engagement according to the official website. It stands out as Utah’s first comprehensive regional university according to the official website and operates under authorization from Utah Code to confer degrees according to the official website. Educational offerings include teaching, research, experiential learning, and civic engagement according to the official website.
Weber State University in Ogden provides education for students from diverse backgrounds with programs that enhance community development. It supports student growth through individualized pathways and promotes values like creativity and belonging according to the official website.