Robert L. Tillman School of Business

IRS VITA Program

Since 2015, the University of Mount Olive has participated in the nationwide IRS VITA program completing tax returns for area clients. The goal of the program is to help people file their tax returns correctly and on time, and that taxpayers receive their proper deductions and credits. Student volunteers, most of whom are Tillman School of Business majors, must complete IRS tax law training and exams.

Community members earning less than $56,000 a year who do not file a return with self-employment (Schedule C), rental property (Schedule E), or stock or property sales (Schedule D) may be eligible for the UMO VITA program, a free tax filing service.

To use the service, taxpayers complete an intake form and are interviewed by a volunteer, who enters information into the tax software. After information is verified with the taxpayer, a second volunteer reviews the return. No return is finished until it has been reviewed by two volunteers and the site coordinator. The return is then printed and assembled. Taxpayers may authorize the UMO VITA program to e-file their return with the IRS and the State of North Carolina so filing is timely, secure, and refunds can arrive faster.

University of Mount Olive Tillman School of Business
Community impact Free preparation for eligible filers
Student volunteers TSB majors and other majors welcome
IRS standards Training, exams, and dual review
Eligibility snapshot

Generally eligible

  • Income under $56,000 per year
  • Returns without Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule E (rentals), or Schedule D (certain investment sales)

Often out of scope

  • Self-employed business income reported on Schedule C
  • Rental property on Schedule E
  • Stock or property sales reported on Schedule D
How the appointment works
1

Complete the intake form and meet with a volunteer for an interview.

2

A volunteer enters your information and verifies details with you.

3

A second volunteer reviews the return; the site coordinator oversees completion.

4

Your documents are printed and assembled; you may authorize e-filing to the IRS and North Carolina.

Student information
How does this program benefit students? ▼

Students learn to prepare taxes correctly and apply classroom concepts through hands-on experience with real clients.

Are the student volunteers all accounting majors? ▼

Many volunteers are accounting majors; any major may participate.

What is required to get involved? ▼

Volunteers complete IRS tax law training and exams, plus hands-on training so they know how to process returns accurately.

Robert L. Tillman School of Business

Learn more about TSB

Majors, faculty, and student experiences including service programs like VITA.

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