Daemen University accounting students are making tax season less taxing by offering free tax prep through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The VITA program, which kicked off on Feb. 4, is offered to households with an annual income of $70,000 or less on Wednesday evenings from 4-7 p.m. through April 8. 

In 2025, six accounting students participated in the VITA program, preparing 270 tax returns. This year, 10 students are participating in the program under the supervision of quality reviewers Dr. Grace Huff, CPA and Tony Bonaventura, CPA. To date, students have processed 224 returns.

"VITA has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had at Daemen,” said junior accounting major Eddie Kwarciak. “Being able to interact with different clients throughout the process while creating a stress-free environment has been incredibly fulfilling. After working in VITA, I've realized how much it means to the community and understand the impact this program has. Having the opportunity to prepare returns in real time has helped me build practical skills and gain confidence in handling real tax problems. The support from our professors has helped make the entire experience run smoothly and allowed us as students to provide the best service possible."  

"Daemen’s VITA program is thriving this year, thanks to the great clients, dedicated students, and outstanding instructors who lead it,” said Jill Ervin, CPA, accounting program director and assistant professor of practice, accounting. “We’re fortunate to offer a program that provides a valuable service to the community while giving students a hands-on learning experience working directly with clients, applying what they’ve learned in their Income Tax Accounting coursework, and building essential customer service skills."

Those interested in having tax returns prepared can call 211 to schedule an appointment. The tax preparation clinic is held in Daemen’s Alfiero School of Business, room B202.