Disclaimer

Baruch VITA is a community service program at Baruch College run by student volunteers. The program provides free tax preparation services to the public.

All volunteers undergo demanding training and testing prior to certification by the IRS. We strive to maintain the quality and integrity of our services and the content of this website. Because of the dynamic nature of the internet and of tax law, however, Baruch VITA and affiliated persons give no warranty, expressed or implied, to the accuracy, reliability, relevance, or completeness of information or service provided.

None of the volunteers, officers, college officials, sponsors, and anyone else connected to Baruch VITA can be held liable for your use of any information in this website or from services provided. Use any kind of service, advice, or material from Baruch VITA at your own risk. No actions of Baruch VITA volunteers constitute tax or legal advice.

Baruch VITA encourages the use of professional services by certified public accountants or paid tax preparers whenever possible.

VITA Mission

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) residents who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.

Benefits for low income, elderly, limited English proficiency, and disabled families are tremendous. For example, many families eligible for Earned Income Credit do not claim it. This amount can be as high as $5,666 in 2010 for a family with three children. Recent surveys indicate that 15 to 20 percent of families that fail to claim the credit. VITA aims to maximize such benefits for those who need it the most.

Baruch VITA Mission

To our clients

To provide low and middle-income taxpayers with free reliable tax preparation services
To promote tax awareness and understanding in the community
To educate the clients about all available tax credits and deductions
To maintain quality, integrity, and professionalism of our services

To our volunteers

To increase student practical knowledge of taxation
To spearhead student careers with real world accounting experience
To develop student leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
To create opportunities for personal growth
To encourage student involvement in the community

To our college

To supplement academic training with hands-on experience
To extend college's educational goals into the community
To improve the "Baruch experience"
To present Baruch faculty with meaningful volunteering opportunities