Seton Hall, United Way Continue Partnership to Offer Free Tax Prep

Seton Hall University will once again partner with the United Way of Greater Newark and the United Way of Northern New Jersey (UWNNJ) to bring the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to campus this spring. Through this ongoing collaboration, qualifying members of the University community can receive free, professional tax return preparation services.

Students enrolled in the Tax Lab course, offered through the Department of Accounting and Taxation in the Stillman School of Business, will provide tax preparation services during two on-campus events held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 (University Center Meeting Room) and Friday, March 27, 2026 (Bethany Hall BC). Appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.

The VITA initiative offers individuals and families with household incomes up to $89,000 access to no-cost federal and state tax return preparation. Qualified members of the Seton Hall community — including faculty, staff, administrators, students and campus partners such as Gourmet Dining and Allied Universal — are welcome to participate. Each one-hour session is staffed by IRS-certified student volunteers who use professional software to prepare and file tax returns.

The Tax Lab course integrates the VITA program into its curriculum, combining classroom knowledge with real-world service.

“In 2025 alone, our students filed 1,338 tax returns through VITA, helping secure nearly $970,000 in refunds,” said Danielle DiMeglio, C.P.A., M.B.A., senior faculty associate and director of graduate programs in the Department of Accounting and Taxation. “When you factor in the $234,000 saved in tax prep fees, the total value to the community was $1.2 million. It’s incredibly rewarding for students to see how their work makes a real difference — and they gain career-ready experience along the way.”

A standout success story from the 2025 Tax Lab cohort is Miguel Angel Marin Martinez, an undergraduate accounting student originally from Spain whose experience with the VITA program helped shape his career trajectory.

“I signed up for the Tax Lab during my senior year at Seton Hall. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Miguel shared. “But after completing the IRS certifications and starting my first day volunteering, I realized this was something I wanted to do. I completed three online tax returns that day and found I really enjoyed the work.”

“As the season went on, I began working one-on-one with VITA clients and that’s when I truly understood how impactful this service can be. Helping someone secure a refund they really needed was incredibly rewarding. It inspired me to keep giving back; now I’m continuing that work in my new role with United Way.”

DiMeglio noted the lasting impact of the program on students like Miguel. “Because of his participation in the Tax Lab, Miguel was offered a position with United Way after graduation,” she said. “It’s a great example of how this program benefits not just the community but also our students’ professional development.”

“This partnership is such a benefit to our communities,” added Monica Conover, associate director, financial stability, United Way of Northern New Jersey. “Our tax clients receive a free quality service and students not only receive real-life experience but also the opportunity to be mentored by volunteers recently retired with accounting backgrounds. We look forward to working with Seton Hall each season.”

All eligible members of the Seton Hall community (families and/or individuals with household incomes of up to $89,000) 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: Campus Life, Education