Free Tax Return Preparation Offered to Seton Hall Community

In a collaboration with United Way for the second consecutive year, Seton Hall brings an exclusive opportunity to the University community: the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. This program offers free, expert tax return preparation services for families and individuals with household incomes up to $79,000.

All qualified members of the Seton Hall community (administrators, faculty, staff, and students plus our partners in Gourmet Dining and Securitas) are invited to book a one-hour appointment on Tuesday, February 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or Friday, April 5,  10 a.m. to 3 p.m.This is a chance for participants to have their tax returns professionally prepared at absolutely no cost.

In 2023, this initiative saved participants over $174,000 in preparation fees and facilitated tax returns totaling more than $1,000,000.

James Pavlik ’23, an accounting major who participated in the Tax Lab last year, believes it’s a "must" for all accounting students. "The Tax Lab at Seton Hall serves as a dynamic and practical introduction to the VITA program. What really drew me to the course was its dual benefit — it not only counted for three academic credits but also provided us with invaluable, real-world tax filing experience," he said.

Seton Hall's Department of Accounting and Taxation, housed in the Stillman School of Business, integrates this program into its innovative Tax Lab course. Students not only participate in the VITA program but also receive comprehensive IRS training. They benefit from both in-person and virtual volunteering options, alongside regular mentorship from esteemed faculty members.

"The beauty of participating in the VITA Tax Lab lies in its integration into our curriculum; it's a perfect blend of gaining practical tax expertise for our resumes while fitting seamlessly into our class schedules," added Pavlik. "It's truly a win-win scenario for students seeking hands-on experience in tax preparation."

Avery E. Neumark, JD, LL.M., C.P.A, visiting instructor in the Department of Accounting and Taxation who leads Seton Hall’s Tax Lab, shared, "As tax complexities escalate, we're thrilled to offer our budding tax experts this real-world experience. They're not just building skills; they're making a tangible difference in the community."

Danielle Corea-Smith, director of financial stability at United Way of Greater Newark, celebrates the strengthened bond through the Tax Lab course. "Seton Hall is a pillar of support for us. With more students on board this year, we're set to assist an unprecedented number of families and individuals."

The United Way of Greater Newark, in partnership with the Newark Asset Building Coalition, also offers the Newark Free Tax Prep initiative to provide free online and drop-off tax preparation services in Newark and East Orange, which is one of the volunteer opportunities for Seton Hall students.

Danielle DiMeglio, C.P.A., M.B.A., senior faculty associate and director of graduate programs in the Department of Accounting and Taxation, added, "Our long-standing partnership with VITA and United Way is a cornerstone of our community engagement. It's a fantastic way for students to gain practical experience and earn elective credits."

All eligible members of the Seton Hall community (families and/or individuals with household incomes of up to $79,000) can register here to secure a one-hour appointment. While walk-ins are welcome, they may be directed to future events or those hosted by local programs.

For a smooth experience, registrants should check out this comprehensive list of what to bring to their appointment.

Categories: Business