It’s that time of year again for most Americans across the United States – tax time.  Some choose to do their taxes themselves, while others have their taxes done by a tax preparation service.
Here on campus, though, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program prepares, free of charge, individual income tax returns for members of the surrounding community as well as OLLU faculty, staff and students.

VITA is a coalition program of the City of San Antonio, and OLLU hosts the city’s West Side location.
Already in its 11th year on campus, VITA opened for services on Jan. 27 and will continue offering free tax preparation through April 16.

VITA is especially convenient for taxpayers with a low income who may not be able to afford other tax services.

Richard Ortegon, the VITA site coordinator and an OLLU alumnus, said having the program at OLLU is advantageous for the surrounding community because VITA is located “where the community can benefit.”

“We try to educate people as to what they might be doing wrong with their taxes.  We advise people to establish savings or checking accounts so there is no problem receiving checks in the mail,” Ortegon said.

Despite information stating that the program serves taxpayers making less than $40,000, Ortegon said the campus VITA site “does not cap as to what citizens make annually.”

This tax season is a special one for VITA because, after having the program located in various buildings throughout its tenure here, VITA now has a permanent location in the Worden Building.

A grand opening ceremony was held on Feb. 1 to celebrate the new location and to present awards to volunteers who worked more than 50 hours during last year’s tax season.

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Taxpayers can make an appointment by calling 210-434-6711, Ext. 2281.  Taxpayers should bring their identification card, Social Security card, W2 forms, 1099 forms, and retirement plans.