About UMBC VITA

Our Mission

UMBC VITA began in 2016 and offers free tax return preparation assistance to households meeting IRS income eligibility. Volunteer students are the backbone of our operation.  Students go through 15 hours of intensive training and pass an IRS mandated test to prove their proficiency and efficacy in the material.  The students provide 30 to 120 hours of critical volunteer time during the spring semester helping clients. In addition to the students, a small number of UMBC staff volunteer to advise the program. Their work and mentorship of the student volunteers is critical to the success of the program.

We consider this program one of the best collaborations happening at UMBC.  Students learn new skills and the Baltimore community receives crucial services. A win/win for everyone.  We hope you enjoy interacting with our students and appreciate any feedback you wish to share about the service as well as your tax preparation.