GSW accounting students offer free tax preparation through VITA program in partnership with Sumter County Extension Service

AMERICUS, Ga. (Feb. 5, 2025) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) accounting students, in partnership with the Sumter County Extension Service, are offering free tax preparation services to the Americus community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This initiative aims to improve family economic well-being and stability while providing GSW students with hands-on experience in tax preparation and financial literacy.

Developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free tax assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals, generally those with a household income of $60,000 or less, who may need help preparing their federal and state tax returns.  

Services are available by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 28 to April 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., on the first floor of the Business, History, Political Science building on GSW’s campus. To schedule an appointment, call 229-924-4476.

The VITA program is integrated into GSW’s service-learning course in federal individual taxation. Through this hands-on experience, students complete IRS certification, conduct client interviews, gather and review tax documents, accurately prepare federal income tax returns, and meet with clients again to finalize filings and offer future financial planning, enhancing their understanding of community engagement and social responsibility.

“This project is central to the mission of the College of Business and Computing (COBAC),” said Carol Bishop, DBA, accounting professor and associate dean of undergraduate programs. “As a regional institution in an economically challenged area, COBAC focuses our societal impact efforts on reducing poverty in Southwest Georgia through financial literacy and economic development. Our accounting team began this service-learning project to assist community members with the complex task of tax preparation and financial planning.”

GSW is partnering with Mitzi Parker, County Extension Coordinator and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, from the Sumter County Extension Service to facilitate this initiative.

Mathura Ramalingam, a senior accounting major from Cumming, Ga, is eager to serve the community and grow in the process.

“I am very excited to be involved in the VITA program at GSW for the opportunity to apply what I have been taught and gain hands-on, practical experience while also serving the community in a meaningful and fulfilling way.”

Connor Briggs, a junior accounting major from Leesburg, Ga, said “I am excited for the opportunity to play a part in benefiting my community through VITA. It's always good to help people and improve your skills at the same time. I am thankful to be able to apply what I've learned in class to help others.”

GSW students, staff, and faculty are also eligible to participate in VITA's free tax preparation program.

For more information or questions, please contact Mitzi Parker at mitziparker@uga.edu or Carol Bishop at carol.bishop@gsw.edu.