Paige Campos Chapman
Hurricane, Utah
Accounting
Leadership
My project I did is called VITA, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, which is a program that offers free tax help to people who make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
I was an IRS-certified volunteer who provided free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to those who qualified. The program started during tax season, which is typically January-April. The program was in the computer room in the business building.
The inspiration for my project came from my desire to help my community, while also getting tax experience to help me get a better understanding of my major. In my Tax class, we were given the opportunity to sign up and volunteer with VITA, so it was the perfect fit!
Some challenges I faced was time. VITA was only available Monday-Thursday at 5:30pm-9:00pm, so it was a little difficult to balance work, school, and social time. It was so worth it though. to be able to directly see the people that I was helping, and being able to explain the tax process.
VITA allowed me to help those who normally couldn't afford a tax professional. The IRS gives grants to schools to be able to participate in VITA. Which also helps the IRS get in more tax returns from those who didn't have the means before.
A fantastic outcome was being directly benefited from my involvement with VITA. Not only did it give me experience on taxes, and how to navigate the tax system. It gave me confidence to be able to talk to total strangers. I'm naturally shy, so having to sit down with someone I just met, was a great opportunity to be able to open up more.
