Free tax help.
A little less
on your plate.

Is tax preparation really free?

Yes, completely. VITA Maroon never charges for tax preparation, and IRS rules don’t allow our volunteers to accept payments, donations or tips from the people we help.

Do I need an appointment?

No. Our sessions are walk-in. They run on several days each week from mid-January through April 15, and times are posted week to week as volunteers are scheduled. Check the service details before you come.

Where are sessions held?

In Mays Business School on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. Rooms can change from week to week, so the room is listed with each week’s session times.

What should I bring with me?

Start with our checklist: photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, all income forms (W-2s, 1099s), last year’s return, any IRS letters, and bank information if you want your refund by direct deposit.

Can you help with my tax situation?

We prepare returns within the IRS VITA program’s scope, which covers most students, families and individuals with wage income. More complex returns, such as business income, rental property or complex investments, are outside our scope. If yours is one of them, we’ll tell you before we start so you can find a paid professional preparer.

Who prepares my return? Are volunteers qualified?

Every volunteer passes IRS certification exams each year with a score of 80% or higher, and agrees to the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct. Three different certified volunteers handle your visit: an intake reviewer, a tax preparer and a separate quality reviewer who checks every return before it’s filed.

How is my personal information protected?

We use only IRS-approved, password-protected tax software and follow IRS data-security rules (Publication 4557). Documents are kept in a locked cabinet during your session and shredded right after your return is filed. We never keep copies of your personal information, and every volunteer signs a confidentiality agreement that lasts even after they leave the organization.

Do I have to answer every question on the intake sheet?

Please answer every question on pages 1–3 that applies to you, because we need them to prepare an accurate return. The demographic questions on page 4 are optional, and your answers aren’t sent to the IRS with your return.

Can you help with a prior-year return?

Often, yes, as long as the return is within VITA program scope. You’ll still fill out a current-year intake sheet, so bring that year’s income documents and any related IRS letters.

Can a volunteer receive my refund for me?

No. Your refund always goes directly to you, by direct deposit to your own account or by check. Volunteers are never allowed to receive a refund on your behalf.

What if I have a concern about a volunteer?

Talk to the site coordinator on duty first, or email vitamaroon@gmail.com. To report unethical conduct directly to the IRS, email ts.voltax@irs.gov with your name, phone number, the site name, the date and what happened. That address is for conduct concerns only, not questions about your return or refund.

How can I get involved as a volunteer?

We recruit in the fall only. New volunteers train through the fall semester, then serve during tax season. Email vitamaroon@gmail.com to get involved, and see the volunteer section for the full timeline.

Do I need to be an accounting major?

No. Membership is open to all currently enrolled Texas A&M students, and we welcome every major and experience level. Training covers everything you need for the IRS certification exams.

What does certification involve?

You’ll complete IRS training through the Link & Learn portal at weekly Wednesday sessions starting in late October. You’ll pass exams on the Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview & Quality Review, and Basic (or Advanced) tax law, each with a score of 80% or higher.

What’s the time commitment?

Active members attend at least 75% of meetings each semester and volunteer for at least four tax-season sessions between mid-January and April 15. We also host weekly guest speakers from the tax and accounting profession on Mondays.