Work

Examining the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and practical experience for accounting students. While beneficial, sustaining it within higher education faces challenges. Prior research on VITA has largely centered on student experiences; this study expands the scope by gathering insights from VITA site partners, coordinators, and experienced reviewers. It identifies the critical challenges such as a shortage of qualified volunteers, inadequate training, deficient computer skills among volunteers, scheduling conflicts, funding limitations, and suboptimal work environments. It highlights the program’s advantages and difficulties, providing insights for improving tax policy and accounting education.

Source: Journal of Accounting and Finance

DOI: 10.33423/jaf.v25i1.7599

Authors: Ran Li, Elizabeth S. Quaye, Daniel J. Gaydon, Daniel P. Mahoney

Institutions: Texas A&M University – Central Texas, York College, City University of New York, City University of New York, University of Scranton

Language: English

Topic: Accounting Education and Careers

Subfield: Accounting

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W4409405377

FWCI:

Cites: 14

Cited by:

Related to: 10