Students offer free tax preparation

Students pursuing bachelor's and master's accounting degrees in the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business (MCCB) will build their tax preparation skills and aid the surrounding communities as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program sponsored by the IRS this semester.

The program normally serves more than 100 taxpayers each filing season. The students, under Dr. Lisa Nash's direction, are certified by testing through the IRS. This spring semester will be Nash's 26th year bringing the experiential learning experience into the classroom through the VITA program and her 10th year overseeing UNG's VITA program.

"I'm hoping to gain better communication skills by talking clients through their tax return, along with some good hands-on experience to put on my resume," said Ashley Healey, a senior from Social Circle, Georgia, pursuing a degree in accounting.

Rachel Verner, an Athens, Georgia, resident who is in the Master of Accountancy program, is also looking forward to the opportunity to serve the community.

"I hope to gain more knowledge in the tax world, and I love helping people," Verner said. "So this way I can learn and help others."

The on‑site free tax preparation services are available Feb. 2 through March 3, on Mondays from 1-7 p.m. and Tuesdays from 3:30-7 p.m. by appointment only in Room 153 of the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. To schedule an appointment on campus, call 706‑867‑3082 or email vita@ung.edu.

In addition to on‑site services, the VITA site is offering a Facilitated Self‑Assist (FSA) program where taxpayers may complete their return online for free, both federal and state, with the VITA volunteers available to assist with questions. To request the online access, email vita@ung.edu.

VITA offers free tax services to people who generally make $67,000 or less. Students prepare 1040 forms with Schedules A, B, C‑EZ, and D, along with basic tax credits. Federal and state returns are prepared for free while taxpayers are present.

The program is especially valuable this year, as many 2025 tax returns must account for new provisions in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, including expanded benefits for taxpayers age 65 and older, updated rules for overtime pay and taxable tips, and changes related to deductible car loan interest. The UNG VITA site can assist taxpayers in determining how these changes apply to their personal 2025 returns and help ensure the provisions are properly considered during preparation.

The list of items to bring to the VITA site will be provided when scheduling the appointment or can be reviewed on the IRS website.

Nash, a certified public accountant and assistant professor of accounting, reviews all returns with the taxpayers before she files them electronically, with direct deposit.

"The VITA program provides hands-on learning for students while also allowing them to build interpersonal communication skills. I enjoy the opportunity to watch the students grow through the service and apply the knowledge they have learned in the classroom. This is definitely a win-win for the students and the community," Nash said.

For more information on UNG's accounting degrees, contact Dr. Ellen Best, department head of Accounting and Law, at ellen.best@ung.edu.