University of Richmond Student Volunteers Offer Free Tax Preparation

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond is offering free tax preparation for the 14th consecutive tax season, hosting one of 12 tax prep sites within the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg’s Tax Assistance Program.

The University of Richmond tax prep site, operated by the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, is located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond. Families and individuals with income of $67,000 or less may sign up for an appointment or walk in to receive tax assistance.

“Volunteers are at the heart of our tax assistance program, coming together to provide a critical service that strengthens our community,” said Cara Cardotti, United Way of Greater Richmond’s director of tax assistance programs. “In 2024 alone, volunteers helped over 3,300 community members recover $3.6 million in tax refunds and save more than $845,500 in preparation fees, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of this program.”

More than 60 University of Richmond students from the Robins School of Business have joined other community volunteers to become IRS-certified. Training includes learning about special credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. 

“Working through the VITA program, the Robins School students provide free tax preparation services for our Richmond City neighbors, saving them the expense of paying for tax preparation while providing our students an invaluable experience working with clients and learning the value of civic partnerships,” said Joyce van der Laan Smith, senior associate dean and accounting professor for the Robins School of Business.

Interested participants can learn more on the VITA program website.

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