Gies College of Business’s VITA Program Seeks Volunteers for Champaign-Urbana Tax Assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Champaign-Urbana, operated by the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business, is seeking community volunteers to assist clients on-site at Salt & Light in Urbana.
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, November 11, 2026 — The University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business is recruiting community members to volunteer for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program, which provides free basic income tax return preparation to qualified individuals, is currently seeking volunteers to assist clients at its on-site location at Salt & Light in Urbana.
The VITA program is a national initiative sponsored by the IRS, offering tax help to low-to-moderate income people, particularly those who may not be able to afford professional tax preparation services. Volunteers help taxpayers who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers to file their returns accurately.
The Gies College of Business has been a long-standing operator of the VITA program in the Champaign-Urbana area. This year’s efforts include a partnership with Salt & Light, a local organization, to host volunteers who will directly assist clients with their tax preparation needs. Specific details regarding the timeline for volunteer commitments or the operating hours at Salt & Light were not immediately available.
Individuals interested in becoming VITA volunteers typically undergo training provided by the program to ensure they can offer reliable assistance. The training covers tax law basics and the use of tax preparation software. The commitment from volunteers can vary, often depending on the program’s operational schedule and the volunteer’s availability.
The call for volunteers underscores the ongoing need for trained individuals to support community members in navigating the complexities of tax filing. By offering their time and skills, volunteers play a crucial role in helping eligible residents receive the tax credits and refunds they are entitled to, thereby contributing to the financial well-being of the community.
Further information on how to become a VITA volunteer or details about the program’s services can typically be found through the Gies College of Business or the national VITA initiative resources. The exact requirements for volunteers, including any specific deadlines for application or training, were not provided in the summary.
Story summarized from the original created by WAND Digital on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
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