WWU Volunteers Offer Free Tax Help Through April 8

Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially when money is tight. But trained volunteers at Western Washington University are making sure families keep every dollar they've earned.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program opened February 11 and runs through April 8. IRS-certified student volunteers prepare tax returns for free, helping people claim credits that can put thousands of dollars back into household budgets.

The program targets credits that often go unclaimed. The Earned Income Tax Credit alone can return up to several thousand dollars to working families. Child Tax Credits, education credits, and Washington's Working Families Tax Credit also add up quickly for those who qualify.

Students, staff, faculty, and community members can all use the service. Several volunteers speak Spanish, removing a major barrier for families who might otherwise pay for professional help or miss credits entirely.

Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments fill up fast. The clinic operates from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on scheduled dates throughout February, March, and early April.

The Ripple Effect

When families receive the refunds they're owed, the impact spreads far beyond one household. That money pays for groceries, car repairs, medical bills, and school supplies. It keeps lights on and rent paid.

The volunteers gain something valuable too. They complete rigorous IRS certification training, learning skills that build resumes while serving their neighbors. Many return year after year, becoming experts in tax law that helps underserved communities.

Last year's tax season showed just how vital these programs are. Millions of Americans left credits unclaimed simply because filing felt too complicated or expensive. Free clinics like WWU's ensure that financial complexity doesn't become a barrier to financial security.

The best time to arrive without an appointment is around 5 p.m., when wait times tend to be shorter. All operating dates, locations, and parking details are available on the VITA website.

For families worried about making ends meet, this service can be the difference between struggling and breathing easier. And for students learning to use their skills for good, it's a powerful reminder that expertise matters most when it's shared.

Tax help shouldn't be a luxury, and at WWU, it isn't.