Volunteer or Get Free Tax Help

The NDSU College of Business partners with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to support students and the community through free tax preparation services and hands-on volunteer opportunities.

1. Become a VITA Volunteer

Gain real-world experience, strengthen your résumé, and give back to the community—no prior tax knowledge required.

As a VITA volunteer, you’ll receive training in basic tax concepts and tax software before assisting individuals with their tax returns.

What to expect:

• When: Tuesdays, 6:00–9:15 p.m.
  January 27 – April 7
  (No meetings on holidays or spring break)
• The first three Tuesday evenings focus on training so you feel confident preparing returns
• Volunteers work in teams of two
• Student interns and College of Business Professor James Clifton will be on-site each evening to answer questions and provide support

Interested or have questions?
Email James.Clifton@ndsu.edu

2. Get Free Tax Prep

Need help filing your taxes? VITA offers free basic tax preparation at NDSU for anyone who qualifies.

Dates: Tuesday evenings: February 17, 24; March 3, 17, 24, 31; and April 7, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: Barry Hall 272 (Enter the south doors of Barry Hall)
(Please note: The site has moved and is not located in the library this year.)

• Services are first-come, first-served
• No appointments are taken
• You will complete an intake form upon arrival

Who can attend:

• Open to anyone needing help with basic tax returns
• Services are available to U.S. citizens and resident aliens for tax purposes
• International students who are not tax residents are not eligible
  (You may determine your status using the IRS website)

Tax return limitations:

• Returns requiring Schedule C or Schedule F will not be prepared

What to Bring

Please bring the following documents:

• Physical Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents
  (Electronic copies are not accepted per IRS requirements)
• Photo ID for you (and your spouse, if applicable)
• If filing Married Filing Jointly, both spouses must be present to sign the tax return
• Birthdates for all individuals on the return
• All 2025 income documents (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, etc.)
• 2025 bank interest or dividend statements (1099s), if applicable
• 2025 tuition statement (Form 1098-T), if applicable
• A copy of your 2024 federal and state tax returns, if available
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Daycare expenses paid and the provider’s tax ID number, if applicable

This program is offered through VITA and sponsored by NDSU. All services are subject to IRS guidelines and approval.

Questions?
Contact site coordinator James.Clifton@ndsu.edu