(WACO, TEXAS, January 25)- Starting Thursday, January 26, 2023, Central Texas residents have the opportunity for free assistance with their tax returns. The student-led Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at University High School will be available each Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30- 6:30 p.m., January 26–April 13, with the exception of school holidays, closures or days off.

The in-person service will take place at University High School, 3201 S. New Rd, and is a collaboration between University High School VITA students and the Baylor University Accounting Department. 

“The VITA program is a win-win. Students get experience filing taxes and learning to provide good customer service and the community benefits from getting the most out of their tax returns,” said Andrew Pierce, University High School Business Teacher and VITA Sponsor. 

All tax returns will be quality reviewed by an experienced tax preparer. Anyone wanting to obtain this service should bring a photo identification (ID) such as a driver’s license, State ID Card or passport/Matrícula Consular card. They will also need a social security card, or ITIN, and any relevant tax documents including a W2 or 1099.

Upon arrival, a taxpayer will get a number and be allowed inside the building to fill out a tax form in the hallway. A program representative will collect the tax form and confirm that the proper documents have been submitted, such as a W2. The tax form will be completed on site. Once the tax return is reviewed and signed, the information will be electronically transmitted.

This is the University High School VITA program’s 19th year providing this free service to the community. The program’s certified volunteers have helped to prepare more than 24,000 tax returns resulting in over $45 million in refunds since its inception.