VITA 2026

Appointments are now available to the public

Iowa State University students offer free tax preparation services each year, a service that is open to the public. They do this work annually as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The program seeks to assist those with limited means, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and taxpayers who are new to the United States and need assistance. The student volunteers are IRS-certified volunteers who 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 and coordinator of the program. “VITA provides a valuable service to our community. Tax returns are prepared for eligible individuals free of charge at our clinic. Our students are gaining confidence and employability skills while helping Iowa State and area community members. It is a win-win.”

Program details

Taxpayers with household incomes of $68,675 or less are eligible for basic return preparation services. This service is limited to taxpayers who are within the scope of service limitations set out by the IRS.

The service is offered from February 9 through April 10, except for the week when Iowa State observes spring break (March 16–20). The service is available Monday through Thursday nights in the Gerdin Business Building and Friday afternoons at the Boone Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

The VITA clinic is located in the Gerdin Business Building on the Iowa State campus Monday through Thursday and Boone DMACC on Friday. There are alternative sites at the following locations:

• Ames Public Library.
• Story City Library.
• Nevada Public Library.

Members of the public, including those in the Iowa State community, can begin scheduling appointments now using the following links:

• Schedule your appointment for the Gerdin Business Building or Boone DMACC location.
• Schedule your appointment for one of the three library locations.

Note: Non-resident filers must make appointments at either the Gerdin Business Building or Boone DMACC site.

For scope of service limitations, please refer to the IRS Publication 4012 (pages vi-xxi).

Parking

Free parking is available at the East Campus Parking Deck, across the street from the Gerdin Business Building, evenings after 5:30 p.m. Paid parking is available at the Memorial Union Parking Ramp during all sessions. CyRide also has stops outside the Gerdin Business Building; visit the CyRide website for route details.

Preparation

We will review all of your information at the beginning of your appointment to ensure your return falls within our guidelines. Please be advised that if your return falls outside of our guidelines, we will not be able to prepare your return.

Taxpayers should bring the following to the VITA site to have their returns prepared:

• Proof of identification – a government-issued photo ID is required.
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse, and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration – required.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
• A copy of last year’s Federal and State tax returns.
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (an individual’s Social Security Number or the business’ Employer Identification Number).
• To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
• You must also know whether you are being claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.

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