SUNY Oneonta accounting and business students are getting firsthand experience for the future by preparing income tax returns for the community.
Through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, students were extensively trained and are available through April 13 to provide basic tax return preparation and filing free of charge. Their services are available to area residents, with appointments available on Wednesdays, 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. The team is excited to be able to assist community members and expects to complete more than 60 tax returns this year.
The tradition, which was started years ago by a beloved former professor, William “Jeff” Weinell, is hosted in Alumni Hall and the new downtown ExCL Center on Dietz Street.
SUNY Oneonta’s VITA program is part of a three-credit class taught by Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno. To ensure privacy, the students will escort each client into office space to begin the intake interview. Completed returns are reviewed by student coordinators and, finally, by Foley-Deno before clients return the following week for an exit interview. At the exit interview, the team assigned to the client meets with them to review the details of their return.
Assistant Professor of Accounting Charlene Foley-Deno
“We used to do the returns side-by-side with clients in a computer lab in one sitting, but this really brings a new level of professionalism, how it’s done in the real world, and also allows for collaboration among the students,” Foley-Deno explained. “All of this—dealing with the public, working with all kinds of people, 50 hours of training, attention to detail, being professional—it’s a low-stakes environment providing a huge benefit. They are on their home turf, where they feel comfortable and confident and have each other, and there’s just so much potential for growth. It’s really fun to watch them as they transition.”
Students who have already taken the VITA class but want to stay involved can become coordinators for class credit, Foley-Deno said. SUNY Oneonta’s VITA Program helps students apply their studies with real-world experience and provides an in-demand need for free tax support in Otsego County. This year, accounting major Cortney VanWormer, serves as a VITA coordinator.
"Helping people in my community with free tax preparation through VITA has been such a rewarding experience. It’s not only boosted my confidence in public speaking with classmates and clients, but also inspired me to pursue a career as a tax consultant. One day, I hope to run my own business and continue making a positive impact."
To make an appointment with SUNY Oneonta’s VITA team, email vita@oneonta.edu or call (607) 436-2171.
