UMO VITA Program Wraps Up Successful Season of Service and Skill-Building
April 14, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE—As tax season winds down, so does another impactful semester of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the University of Mount Olive. Led by Dr. Tanya Smith, CPA, and hosted by the Tillman School of Business, the VITA Program offers a unique win-win opportunity: local residents receive free tax preparation, and UMO accounting students gain valuable real-world experience. Open to students, staff, and the greater Mount Olive community, the program has become a staple of service and hands-on learning on campus.
“This year, we’ve seen tremendous growth,” said UMO junior Dyllan Cardoza of Miami, FL. “Last year, about 50 returns were completed. This year, we’ve nearly doubled that number to around 100.” Cardoza, an accounting major, reflected on the impact of helping clients who might otherwise not be able to afford tax services. “Making a genuine, positive difference in people’s lives is one of the most rewarding aspects.”
Student volunteers began preparing by completing IRS training and certification and mastering tax laws, forms, and procedures. Once the season opened, they welcomed clients through a drop-off process. After preparing and reviewing each return, clients were invited back to go over their filings before electronic submission to the IRS.
Kate Carter, a senior accounting major from Laurinburg, NC, said VITA offered a vital bridge between classroom learning and professional application. “This experience has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in accounting, especially in tax services,” she said. “It allowed me to interact with clients and solve real issues—something you can’t always replicate in a classroom.”
Students echoed how the program built both technical and interpersonal skills. “I’ve gained confidence in my communication abilities, especially when explaining complex tax topics in a clear, approachable way,” Cardoza added.
Carter also noted that even challenging situations—like handling multi-state tax returns—became learning opportunities. “With guidance from our professor, we were able to navigate those issues successfully and ensure the client received the best possible outcome.”
Beyond technical skills, both students emphasized the team environment and mutual support among volunteers. “One moment that stood out to me was when we were overwhelmed with clients waiting outside,” Cardoza recalled. “Despite the pressure, every one of my classmates worked efficiently. It was a true team effort.”
For students like Carter and Cardoza, the VITA program has not only strengthened their résumés—it has deepened their appreciation for service, integrity, and community connection. “VITA gives students practical experience and offers the community a much-needed, reliable service,” said Carter. “It’s an opportunity to give back while gaining so much in return.”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
