| Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or "VITA" is a public service project, sponsored by the United States Internal Revenue Service, to train volunteers in assisting taxpayers to complete and file annual income tax returns. At Touro, students run the program and staff the service locations in public libraries and similar places.
Students participating in VITA use their knowledge of the tax laws to assist those in the community who are unable to complete this obligation alone. Most of the taxpayers VITA assists are elderly, disabled, or low-income; many are too frail or confused to handle their own tax returns, but others simply need the reassurance that a capable and confident law student can provide. They are often supremely grateful for the student's help with what seemed an insurmountable task.
In order to be certified as a VITA volunteer, each student must successfully complete the IRS training course, then staff the chosen location from the end of February until tax filing day.
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