Publication 5506-B — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) College and University Symposium

Official source: IRS Forms, Instructions & Publications (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5506b.pdf), retrieved 2026-10-03. U.S. Government work (17 U.S.C. § 105).

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Publication 5506-B (Rev. 5-2025) Catalog Number 93344Z Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov

Enriching educational experiences using Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

“VITA gave me the chance to work with

clients that were not aware of the

different resources IRS provides to the

public. It also brings like minded people

together for similar goals; such as

getting prepared for the workforce.”

-University Student

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• Returns money back to the community through refunds.

• Builds skills through hands-on learning.

• Strengthens the connection with local and neighboring communities.

• Promotes community service and volunteerism.

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“I chose to participate in the VITA program,

and I loved it. I was able to have that hands-on experience preparing taxes for the community. I plan to volunteer for the

VITA program every year as it increases my knowledge and expands my skill set.”

• Develops tax law knowledge.

• Provides practical life skills.

• Supports classroom learning.

• Builds professional confidence.

• Enhances resume.

• Offers leadership opportunities.

• Increases networks and connections with tax professionals.

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Texas A&M University Central

Texas student.

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• Faculty, department chairs, administrators and staff.

  • Student activity clubs and organizations.

  • Professional societies.

  • Fraternities and sororities.

  • Alumni associations.

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Training

Traditional VITA – IRS-certified volunteers prepare electronically filed returns faceto-face with taxpayers at their college or university location.

Virtual VITA – Tax preparation services provided in a virtual environment to taxpayers remotely where face-to-face activities are not performed during the tax preparation process.

Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) - FSA empowers the taxpayer to prepare their own return. The volunteer acts as a tax coach or “facilitator”, answering the taxpayer’s in-scope questions as they complete and file their return.

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• The Link & Learn portal provides training, tests and certifications.

  • Instructor led or self-study classes.

  • Basic, Advanced, Military & International tax law training.

  • TaxSlayer Practice Lab.

  • TaxSlayer software.

  • All program materials.

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• Sponsorship of a VITA tax preparation site on campus.

  • Provide student volunteers at a local VITA site.

  • Adopting and linking a Facilitated Self-Assistance site to the school web page.

  • Selecting sites to provide space and other resources such as computers and

printers.

• Engaging student organizations and clubs. Build student confidence by

applying classroom knowledge and assisting community.

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The VITA program can serve as the starting point for building a strong

financial and career-oriented path. Give back to your community through

free tax preparation and prepare students to engage with career ready

skills.