Patrons can receive free tax prep assistance provided by East Texas A&M faculty and students.

Tax season is often a stressful time for many, but East Texas A&M University takes steps to ease the pain. If you're eligible, you could have your taxes prepared and filed for free through the university's participation in a federal program that also provides Lion students with real-world experience.

What is the VITA program?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS initiative that supports free tax preparation services to underserved individuals through various partner organizations. This service helps individuals with low to moderate income ($67,000 or less), persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speakers file their taxes each year at no cost.

East Texas A&M renewed its participation in the VITA program, offering students the opportunity to gain hands-on tax preparation experience while assisting the community in filing their federal income tax returns for free.

The evolution of VITA at ETAMU

This year, the program at East Texas A&M has come under the direction of Dr. Fabio Ambrosio, professor of accounting and business law and assistant dean of the College of Business. Ambrosio, with the help of Drs. Daniel Hsiao and Shiyou Li, both accounting professors, have recruited two graduate assistants and nine student volunteers to create a vibrant VITA clinic staffed three evenings per week.

“We felt that we needed to go bigger and involve more students in this program,” Ambrosio said. “This provides an excellent educational opportunity for the students. Not only are they learning and applying U.S. tax law, but they are also learning how to be courteous, personable and understanding while working with clients from different backgrounds.”

Brayden Lopez, a senior majoring in General Business who is also a U.S. Navy veteran, said he jumps at the chance to try new things, and taking the leap to volunteer with VITA at East Texas A&M was no different.

“It has been a challenge at times and a learning experience, but I feel I have grown and gained a lot of new knowledge working with clients for VITA,” Lopez said. “The customer service experience I feel I've developed has been extremely valuable. I learn something new with almost every client.”

Ayomikun Ibrahim, a graduate student majoring in Finance, said she participated in VITA to help people in need.

“I felt this was a great avenue to help people,” Ibrahim said. “The interaction you have with clients can be special, and often your problem-solving skills are tested.”

Ambrosio agrees, saying that through tax preparation, students encounter an array of situations that are unique to almost every taxpayer.

“We can usually learn more from the returns we don't file than the ones we do,” Ambrosio said. “Everyone comes in with their own issues and needs, and if we are unable to accommodate a taxpayer due to any number of factors, it requires work on our part and the client to address any outstanding issues and come back with a return we can file.”

An upgrade in service

Ambrosio believes that adding more student volunteers to the mix has allowed the VITA program to thrive at East Texas A&M and given the College of Business a leg up in offering a unique educational experience.

“This kind of hands-on experience is unconventional, but it gives students a great view into the professional world,” Ambrosio said. “There are many pitfalls when dealing with tax preparation, but we are guiding and mentoring these students to provide exceptional service to the community.”

How to utilize the VITA program

The VITA clinic at East Texas A&M opened for the 2026 tax season in February and closes on April 15, 2026. It offers both in-person and virtual appointments. In-person services are walk-in only with no appointment necessary, while virtual appointments can be scheduled online.

Services are provided in the Finke Finance Lab, room 246 of the McDowell Business Administration Building, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Additional daytime slots are available virtually.

See all the details at the ETAMU VITA Clinic webpage.