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Free tax help available on campus

Tax time is approaching and the University of Utah is providing qualifying students with the resources necessary to get their income taxes done right. Starting Feb. 4, 2025, through Tax Day (April 15, 2025), students can access tax filing services through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Assistance is available to students earning $70,000 or less annually, said Beth Hunsaker, associate director of the university’s Financial Wellness Center (FWC).

“The reason for the income limit is actually to make sure that the taxes are simple enough for our trained volunteers,” she said. “When it starts to get too complicated, especially business income, the IRS recommends that you go to someone who has more specialized experience.”

Each tax return is prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. The VITA program is run in partnership with Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), an honors organization for students studying in financial information fields. During the program dates, 160 volunteers will be on hand to provide tax services.

Hunsaker noted international students on F1 and J1 visas are among the student population eligible for free tax filing services. The clinics are available at the center and also at a designated tax site off campus.

“Last year we filed just under 400 taxes through our sites and this year we’re hoping to break 500 between the two locations,” she said. There will be approximately 60 spots available per week for nine weeks, she added. Appointments can be booked online or by calling 801-585-7379. Walk-ins are also welcome.

“Also, U of U students who file through our site will be sent a survey link at the end of the tax season,” Hunsaker said. “Students who complete the survey will be entered into a raffle to win an iPad. The winner will be notified in early May.”

The tax clinics are part of the Financial Wellness Center’s various programs aimed at helping student improve their financial literacy and develop good money management habits.

“A main reason the Financial Wellness Center exists is to prepare students for a career and to hopefully increase their earning potential,” Hunsaker said. “These are prime years to build good financial habits. It does not get easier to learn healthy financial behaviors as you get older and your life gets more complicated.”

“If you can start a savings habit when you’re younger and your life isn’t as financially complex, research shows you’re more likely to stick to it,” she added.

The center is located in Room 317 of the Olpin Student Union Building. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.