UR Student Volunteers Offer Free and Virtual Tax Preparation

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, is offering free tax preparation for qualified individuals for the 10th consecutive tax season.

This year’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will offer virtual tax services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 30 University of Richmond students, most of whom are studying in the Robins School of Business, have joined other community volunteers to receive training to become IRS-certified so they can help prepare tax returns for those in the Richmond community who need assistance filing their 2020 taxes.

“Students are providing a critical service to our communities by supporting this free opportunity for neighbors, while students themselves earn course credit and learn valuable life lessons about financial stability resources,” said Kimberly Dean-Anderson, associate director of community relationships for the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. “Community partners, tax clients, and students all gain something from this opportunity.”

The IRS VITA Program offers free tax help to qualified individuals who generally make less than $57,000, and/or are elderly, disabled, or have limited English-speaking skills.

Interested participants can access services and upload their tax information through United Way's secure web portal. For individuals who do not have access to a computer or secure internet access, University of Richmond Downtown will serve as a drop-off site, where taxpayers can schedule an appointment to drop off their tax documents.