The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program returns on Jan. 29 to South Texas College to help taxpayers process their returns ahead of the filing deadline of April 15.
VITA offices at STC will be at the college’s Pecan and Mid-Valley campuses. Both locations will service the community for a six-week period until March 6 (Mid-Valley) and March 7 (Pecan).
The Mid-Valley campus office will be open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Pecan campus office will be open from Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Preparing for the Season
STC faculty with the college’s Business Administration program have been holding training sessions for volunteers, which include students, since December in anticipation of the start of VITA services.
“This is so important. Not only are the students showing that they want to help the community and volunteer, but together with STC, they are helping those individuals who often cannot afford to pay, save money.” said Anay De Leon, accounting instructor at STC and VITA site coordinator at Pecan campus. “The fact that young adults want to be involved in this and help their communities speaks volumes about their character and their need to make a difference. Not only does it feel good to help, but whatever assistance they provide is multiplied through the families they assist.”
Cynthia Sanchez, associate professor with STC’s Business Administration program and VITA site coordinator at the college’s Mid-Valley campus, says the experience is invaluable for students who are looking for work experience.
“I have spoken to a lot of students, whether they are first-generation students or returning to the classroom, and they all agree they need experience. This is where this opportunity to assist through VITA comes in,” Sanchez said. “I have had students looking to get their foot in the door, so to speak, and build their confidence. This is so valuable for students because they are not working alone, and they have someone teaching them and overseeing their work.”
About the VITA Program
The VITA program has assisted the Rio Grande Valley community for more than 30 years. It has also partnered with STC through the United Way for more than 13 years.
The program offers free tax preparation services for those who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities or limited English-speaking taxpayers.
The IRS manages all VITA programs, including the one at STC with the help of the United Way. Staffing the sites are IRS-certified volunteers who have completed training and can provide tax counseling.
On average, STC’s VITA site processes hundreds of tax returns. In 2023, volunteers helped file 263 tax returns for residents. Collective volunteer hours totaled more than 560 hours.
“Many factors are considered when selecting community partners and sites such as Wi-Fi access, parking (and) available lab space,” said Janet Terrazas, vice president and resource development director with the United Way. “It takes collaboration to make VITA a success. Partnerships help us share resources, services and skills to help meet community needs.”
This year’s VITA effort includes members of the AmeriCorps, American National Civilian Community Corps program, which has been deployed to assist with the program for the first time. The AmeriCorps is a federal agency that engages 1,200 young adults from ages 18-26 nationally through community service.