Service-learning initiative enriches student education, uplifts

Accounting students at the University of Mount Olive seized an opportunity to earn real-world experience by offering free tax preparation services to qualifying community members through the university’s Tillman School of Business Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) program.

Student volunteers completed IRS tax law training and examinations to assist clients who may not be able to afford tax services otherwise. Following preparation, students reviewed the returns with clients before electronic submission to the IRS.

“VITA gives students practical experience and offers the community a much-needed, reliable service,” said senior accounting major Kate Carter, adding that the experience reaffirmed her desire to pursue a career in accounting. “It’s an opportunity to give back while gaining so much in return.”

Carter noted that the program plays an important role in bridging the gap between classroom education and professional application for those interested in accounting as a career. She also indicated that the volunteers were able to navigate and overcome even complex scenarios involving multi-state tax returns with their professor’s guidance, ensuring the best possible outcome for the client.

“It allowed me to interact with clients and solve real issues — something you can’t always replicate in a classroom,” said Carter.

According to Dyllan Cardoza, a junior at UMO, the 2024 tax season brought significant growth to the university’s VITA program, with completed returns nearly doubling the 50 filed by UMO volunteers in 2023. Cardoza recalled a moment when he and other volunteers were almost overwhelmed with clients waiting outside for tax assistance.

“Despite the pressure, every one of my classmates worked efficiently,” said Cardoza. “It was a true team effort.”

Cardoza shared that the experience has aided him in cultivating both his technical and interpersonal skills, inspiring confidence in his abilities by requiring him to make complicated tax topics accessible to his clients through clear communication.

It also allowed him to make a positive difference in people’s lives, which he explained was “one of the most rewarding aspects” of the VITA program.