CU Boulder Students Offer Free Tax Help Starting Feb. 20

Trained student volunteers at CU Boulder are ready to tackle tax season with something better than software: free, face-to-face help for families who need it most.

Starting February 20, the university's revived VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) offers qualifying taxpayers completely free tax preparation through April 11. Students from the Leeds School of Business, many pursuing masters degrees in accounting and taxation, will prepare returns for families earning about $67,000 or less, plus seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.

The program has deep roots in Boulder County. For 10 years before 2019, Leeds helped residents file thousands of tax returns before COVID-19 forced a pause. Now it's back with graduate students leading the charge instead of just faculty and community volunteers.

"It's really about helping people navigate the process and get their taxes done correctly," said Nicole Lazzeri, assistant teaching professor at Leeds who advises the program. For many taxpayers, filing feels intimidating or overwhelming.

Every student volunteer must pass IRS certification exams before preparing a single return. Faculty advisors and experienced VITA volunteers review each return for accuracy, following strict IRS standards for confidentiality and oversight.

The Ripple Effect

The impact extends far beyond tax refunds. Filing accurately helps families avoid IRS letters, delays, and the stress that comes with getting taxes wrong. Using VITA gives people confidence their return is correct without paying preparation fees that can cost hundreds of dollars.

For the student volunteers, the experience transforms how they understand their future careers. "It's eye-opening for students to see how the tax code affects people's real lives," Lazzeri said. They learn that technical rules have real consequences for families, and that perspective stays with them long after tax season ends.

The nationwide VITA program has operated for more than 50 years, with sites at community centers and libraries across Colorado and the country. Campus-based programs like CU Boulder's create a unique win: educational opportunities for students and essential free services for community members who need them.

Appointments open in early February, with in-person sessions held at the Koelbel Building, home of the Leeds School of Business. This tax season, getting help means gaining a partner who understands both the numbers and what they mean for your family.