MCLA's Tax Assistance Program Helped Return Over $1M to Community
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) celebrates its five-year anniversary, marking a half-decade of service to the community.
In that time, students helped return more than $1 million in refunds to taxpayers. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has continued to thrive, offering assistance to individuals and families in need.
According to MCLA Professor of Accounting Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the United States Department of the Treasury and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the students in the Department of Business Administration, who participate in this program undergo rigorous training, become IRS-certified, and work under her supervision.
"Participating in the VITA program each year has been one of my favorite experiences at MCLA," Barboza said. "Every year, I watch these students grow not just professionally, but also personally. One of the major benefits to the students who participate is the increased confidence they gain. In addition, the experience has been a powerful resume builder for students across academic departments."
Since its inception, the MCLA VITA program, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, has achieved significant milestones, reflecting its commitment to providing accessible tax assistance and fostering student engagement in community service. The program has existed for five years but did not operate in 2021.
Over the past four years, the program has:
- Produced 51 internships, providing valuable experiential learning opportunities for MCLA students.
- Completed 884 federal and state tax returns for residents across at least 8 states, including Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, California, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Maine.
- Served 381 unique clients, offering personalized support and guidance throughout the tax filing process.
- Returned a total of $1,005,775 to the community in federal and state tax refunds, helping alleviate financial burdens for individuals and families.
- Collected $162,361 for federal and state taxing authorities, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and responsibilities.
MCLA students have dedicated over 2,800 hours of direct contact with the community, while faculty and staff have contributed an additional 1,565 hours of service, totaling 4,370 hours of impactful engagement.
Moreover, through grant funds, the program has enhanced its offerings, creating a comfortable commuter space within the business department. Equipped with a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and regular snacks throughout VITA sessions, this space ensures that volunteers and clients alike feel welcomed and supported.
As a result of the satisfaction survey that VITA clients complete each year, students earned an average of 4.94 out of 5 across six categories for 2024.
The VITA program assists taxpayers with disabilities or limited English speaking skills, those 60 years of age or older, or individuals who make $64,000 or less a year. MCLA students assist with both basic and advanced returns, including those with itemized deductions.
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