VITA 2026
“VITA provides our students with real-life experience. They work one-on-one with their own clients, preparing tax returns while the taxpayer is at the clinic.”
— Chris Moon, associate teaching professor of accounting
Appointments are now available
Iowa State University students offer free tax preparation services each year. They conduct this work annually as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The program aims to support individuals with limited financial means, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and new U.S. taxpayers who require assistance. The student volunteers are IRS-certified and provide free basic income tax return preparation, including electronic filing.
“VITA provides our students with real-life experience. They work one-on-one with their own clients, preparing tax returns while the taxpayer is at the clinic,” said Chris Moon, associate teaching professor of accounting at the Ivy College of Business, who coordinates the program. “VITA provides a valuable service to our community. Tax returns are prepared for eligible individuals at our clinic free of charge. Our students are gaining confidence and employability skills while helping Iowa State and area community members. It is a win-win.”
Program details:
Who: Taxpayers with household incomes of $68,675 or less are eligible for basic return preparation services. This service is limited to taxpayers within the scope limitations set by the IRS. For scope of service limitations, please refer to the IRS Publication 4012 (pages vi-xxi).
When: The service is offered from February 9 through April 10, except for the week when Iowa State observes spring break (March 16 – 20).
Where: The main VITA clinic is located in the Gerdin Business Building on the Iowa State campus, with appointments available Monday through Thursday evenings. There are alternative sites at the following locations:
- Ames Public Library
- Story City Library
- Nevada Public Library
- Des Moines Area Community College – Boone campus, Friday afternoons.
Schedule an appointment: Members of the public, including those in the Iowa State community, can begin scheduling appointments now at the following link: https://calendly.com/vita-isucampus
January 22, 2026
