VITA Program

What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service and many individual states, including Utah, to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals. Utah State Volunteers are trained by the Internal Revenue Service and prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at our designated on-campus VITA site on a first come first served basis. Both USU and Bear River Association of Governments sites offer free IRS electronic filing of tax returns.

Who can obtain assistance at a VITA site?

Income tax assistance is available for low-income (below $60,000 annually) individuals, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly. The VITA program is aimed at those for whom paid assistance may be out of reach.

 

USU Vita Program

VITA Information and Services Offered

The VITA clinic will open Saturday, February 3. Check back between now and then for additional details. The USU VITA site does not have the resources to prepare tax returns for international students and scholars.

We are no longer able to process 1099 Misc and Schedule C tax returns.

Things to Bring:

• Last year's tax return
• Social Security Card or ITIN: Must bring the actual card for each person on the return, not just the number or a copy.
• Photo ID: Filers must bring valid photo ID.
• Tax Forms: All W-2's from employers, tuition statement (1098) for US residents, and any other tax related documents.
• Resident Form: Please print off and complete the appropriate resident form and bring the completed form with to expedite your service. Form will be available to complete at the site if you cannot print them in advance.
  • Resident form in English
  • Resident form in Spanish

Times and Location:

• The USU VITA Site is open on Tuesdays from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
• No need to make an appointment, just bring your identification and forms on the following dates: February 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 and  March 2, 5, 19, 23, 26, 30
• The USU VITA Site is located on the Utah State University campus in the basement of the Business Building. The lab is in room B120 in the southeast corner.

*Note that the lab closes at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. The tax work is done on a first come first serve bases. When enough work has been taken in to the fill the remaining clinic time, new arrivals may be asked to return to the clinic at a later date.

All documents will be checked by a screener and when complete, the return will be assigned to an appropriate volunteer. Service is given on a first come first served basis. If you're returning to the lab for problem resolution, please check in with the screener for quicker service. Please be aware that arrival before closing time does not guarantee service on that date.

BRAG VITA Site

Volunteers

Who Can Volunteer?

• Anyone can volunteer. No prior experience or knowledge of taxes or accounting is required to be a VITA volunteer. You will be trained and help will always be available.
• Being a VITA volunteer is more meaningful than a typical service project and involves learning a useful life skill. Because of this being a VITA volunteer requires time and preparation. Volunteers must become certified by passing online tests. But don't worry, we'll prepare you and help you along the way. VITA volunteers are not required to come to every VITA day or stay for the full time. You will be free to volunteer as you have time.

What do Volunteers do?

Volunteers mostly work one on one with clients that come in to get their taxes done. Using the client's documents, volunteers will prepare and submit tax returns electronically. Help is always available to all volunteers. A few volunteers each day will fill other roles including greeting and assisting clients while they wait. There are multiple ways to serve so you can be sure to volunteer in a role you feel comfortable in.

Training

Training will be held at the times below or by watching the recorded trainings:

• January 20 from 9-11am in HH 220
• January 27 from 9-11am in HH 220

Questions?

Just email us any questions at paul.campbell@usu.edu.