To help our community, Pitt Business supports the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, helping low- and moderate-income taxpayers in the Pittsburgh area prepare and file their taxes dating back to 2002.

The David Berg Center for Ethics and Leadership at the University of Pittsburgh Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business leads the collaboration with the School of Business Beta Alpha Psi, the information professionals honor society. Starting in 2022, the program was expanded to include student volunteers from other majors at Pitt.

Our participating faculty and student volunteers become certified by the IRS in preparing returns and come together with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania to support the financial security of families with this free help. The cumulative refunds to these taxpayers has exceeded $1 million!

This is rewarding and fun:

  • Pitt Business students can take a course and earn X credits
  • Tax experience is not necessary but is appreciated.
  • IRS Tax Certification and training are provided.
  • Volunteers work with taxpayers from all over Pittsburgh.
  • Staff are available to answer questions and provide support.

VITA volunteer requirements:

  • All volunteers must complete the IRS Tax Certification exam and training.
  • You must have a background check.
  • All Pitt volunteers commit 44-68 hours in training and 40-48 hours in tax return preparation (Fridays from late January through April 15).

Volunteer recruitment occurs during the fall semester. Please email Accounting Area Director Josh Gunn (jlgunn@pitt.edu) if interested in volunteering.

Qualified taxpayers include those with incomes under [confirm] $65,000 per year. University students, employees, and area residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment from February 2 through April 15 by calling 2-1-1 or visiting: pa211sw.org

Preparation and What to Bring

We will start the appointment by reviewing your information to ensure your return falls within the VITA guidelines. If it doesn’t, we will not be able to prepare your return.

What to bring:

  • A photo ID for taxpayer and spouse + Social Security/ITIN cards (or photocopies) for taxpayers and all dependents
  • A copy of last year’s tax return
  • All forms W-2 and 1099
  • Information for all deductions/credits
  • Account information for direct deposit of refund (routing number and accounting number)
  • Form 1095-A if you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace

Pitt VITA Primary Locations:

Make an appointment by calling 2-1-1 or the United Way site: pa211sw.org

  • Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 4400 Forbes Avenue, Oakland: For individuals who have annual incomes of $65,000 or less.
  • Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh, 5738 Forbes Avenue, Squirrel Hill: For individuals over age 60 and income of $65,000 or less.
  • Other locations are available through the United Way site.