For those struggling to prepare their tax returns, the Stern School of Business’ IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is looking to help free of charge.

Managed by the finance, accounting and information systems honor society Beta Alpha Psi, VITA provides free tax help to individuals with an income of $50,000 or below.

Xindi Xu, a Stern student and VITA volunteer, helps VITA clients by guiding them through the tax preparation process.

“VITA is an important group because it reaches out to all different types of people in need, whether they are students, teachers or other types of faculty members,” Xu said.

Stern senior David H. Nam, a VITA site coordinator, said VITA is even helpful for those who know how to prepare their taxes.

“Most individuals who prepare their tax returns individually tend to not realize that they are eligible for tax credits that will result in a greater tax refund,” Nam said.

Stern professor of accounting Alex Dontoh agreed that VITA can be an instrumental tool in helping individuals make tax law work to their advantage.

“The goal of the program is to ensure that these low-income individuals and families are aware of the various tax deductions and tax credits they are entitled under IRS provisions, and take full advantage of them,” Dontoh said. “Most low-income individuals and families are entitled to the earned income tax credits but often do not take advantage of them because they don’t know of their existence.”

Dontoh said VITA also aimed to educate individuals and families on how to create wealth through building assets.

VITA volunteers are students trained and certified by VITA. Experience among members ranges from no previous tax experience to members who have participated in VITA for several years. This year, VITA has over 50 volunteers.

Nam emphasized how VITA offers volunteers with an avenue to apply class knowledge in the real world.

“This [experience] provides a greater leeway for students to become highly marketable in a competitive job market,” Nam said.

The VITA table is located in the lobby of the lower concourse level of Tisch Hall, Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., until April 15. Tax returns take roughly a half-hour to complete. Those who are planning on taking advantage of VITA’s services should bring as much of the following as available: a state-issued photo ID, a personal W2, a Social Security card and their tax return from last year.

A version of this article was published in the Wednesday, March 13 print edition. Kevin Burns is a deputy university editor. Email him at [email protected].