Over 1,200 Baruch students applied. Only 175 were selected. That’s less than a 15 percent acceptance rate, making participation in Baruch’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program one of the most selective student opportunities on campus.
For over two decades, the student-led public tax assistance service has helped tens of thousands of immigrant and low-income New Yorkers file state and federal income taxes. The IRS-trained and -certified students offer free, no-appointment-necessary tax assistance. In 2012 services were offered at five locations in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn and in five languages (in addition to English): Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Korean.
New this year were weekend hours at all locations and electronic filing of more than 6,500 returns. Over $8 million in federal and state refunds are expected.
VITA students—most finance or accountancy majors—develop leadership skills, enhance their resume, earn community service credits, and build networks. Program sponsors include the Zicklin School of Business, UHY Advisors, and the IRS.