For the last 18 years, PhD Steven Balsam has directed the Temple branch of VITA, the IRS’ free tax service. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and offers service to anyone who makes less than $53,000 a year.
Balsam, the head of the Fox School of Business’ Accounting department, started the program at the students’ behest.
“I’m very much into student service, that’s why I’m here. I like dealing with students, I like talking to you. They came to me, they heard about this program, they wanted to do it…they have long since graduated, and I’m still doing it, 18 years later.”
VITA is fully staffed by volunteers. This year, in particular, there are roughly 20. Typically, the volunteers are mostly undergraduate students and a few alumni. Balsam told us that a doctorate student, a retired lawyer, and a Computer Science professor joined this year’s roster.
Students volunteer at VITA for a variety of reasons. Some want it on their resume, but Temple Alumn and Three-year volunteer Blake Strong does it for the people.
“Helping people is really fun. You get to see and speak with different people from Philadelphia, hear their stories, and their taxes in the same.”
Strong continued, “Also this will build a connection between Philadelphia residents and Temple because if Philadelphia residents feel comfortable coming onto campus, it builds community around students and everybody else.”
VITA completed between five to six hundred returns last season and expects a similar number this year. VITA operates by appointment on main campus on Wednesdays and at Ambler Campus on Saturdays. Appointments can be made by contacting 215-326-9519 or emailing vita@temple.edu, the program runs until April 12.
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