Tax return preparation and filing resources offered at no cost to eligible UAB community members

Photography: Andrea MabryThe Regions Institute for Financial Education – housed in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Collat School of Business – is launching a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site that will provide the UAB community and its neighbors support in the preparation and filing of their tax returns, all at no cost.

As of  Jan. 10, 2022, those eligible can access tax resources and services from volunteer preparers, which will include Collat School of Business faculty and staff, as well as UAB students getting real world experience as paid interns.

“Creating a VITA site on UAB’s campus provides our faculty, students, and staff with wonderful opportunities,” said Stephanie Yates, Ph.D., Regions Institute for Financial Education Endowed Professor and chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance. “Our accounting faculty will use the site as a teaching lab to demonstrate the use of technology for tax return preparation as well as the opportunity to engage with real clients.”

This is a brand-new endeavor by RIFE in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, as well as support from Live HealthSmart Alabama, Protective Life Insurance, and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Services that are available for access leading up to the April 15, 2022 tax deadline include:

• In-person tax sessions: By appointment with volunteer preparers every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Drop-off preparation: Participants may drop off documentation and volunteers prepare the return for them.
• Self-prep clinics: Volunteers lead in-person clinics and provide support for participants looking to prepare their own returns.
• Link to TaxSlayer software: Anyone in the UAB community can use the software at no cost in order to complete their own taxes.
• Drop-in tax sessions: Participants can walk-in and seek support from volunteer preparers every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Eligibility criteria for VITA site services includes:

• • Voluntary Income Tax Assistance: must have an annual salary equal to or less than $58,000.
  • Tax Counseling for the Elderly: must be age 60 or older
  • Access to free tax preparation software: open to all

For those seeking help with their tax returns, appointments can be made here or by calling 205-996-0884. 

For international students trying to determine filing status before proceeding with preparing a return through UAB, email isss@uab.edu.

Those interested in volunteering as preparers can complete a self-study training and can call 205-996-0884 to engage in next steps.

“The driver of this project is the opportunity to provide meaningful and impactful service to the UAB community and beyond,” Yates said. “We couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to serve while also teaching our students and learning more about our community.”