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The VITA Program

Student Internship Information

A VITA internship is an experience that is unmatched.

At York College's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, student participants must complete IRS certifications exams. Students learn to prepare Federal and New York State income tax returns using professional tax preparation software. In addition, students will develop and enhance a number of soft skills such as problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership which are considered valuable to entry-level accounting and business professionals. Students are also able to build a solid resume after participating in VITA.

Volunteering in the VITA program is an excellent opportunity for accounting majors to gain exposure to income taxes prior to completing a formal course in taxation. In addition, this will increase students’ chances of being successful in the tax course. For students that have already completed a course in taxation, this program provides them an opportunity to apply the knowledge that they have gained from that class to a real-world context. Students can also receive accounting internship credits for participating in VITA.

Benefits of becoming an intern include:

  • Personalized recommendations from York College VITA Directors
  • Enhanced resume
  • Letter of Community Service on your college letterhead
  • Nationally-recognized certifications to prepare individual tax returns
  • Personal IRS Recognition Certificate for those who complete 150 hours or more
  • A great place to meet new friends and network
  • A chance to gain managerial experience

Internship opportunities

Each year students successfully plan and implement the policies and procedures required to coordinate a VITA site during tax season.  These students undertake various duties and levels of responsibility while gaining practical work experience in a professional environment serving the public. Students learn how to utilize the professional tax software, TaxWise.  Theories taught in class are quickly applied to practical situations. In addition, students develop skills such as teamwork, effective communication, customer service, motivation, and making ethical decisions; qualities that businesses are looking for in today’s employees.

The following positions are available:

Interviewer

This individual will collect all the required documents, provide all necessary information in advance, and prep the client(s) before they meet with the tax preparer.

Preparer

This individual will be responsible for preparing the tax return.

Quality Reviewer

This individual will review the tax return for accuracy and ensure that it matches the documents presented.

Shift Manager

This individual will be responsible to oversee the day-to-day operations.

Coordinator

This individual will oversee all tax returns; ensure all volunteers meet the Federal and New York State requirements.  They will also be responsible to train shift managers.

Apply to VITA

Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will enhance your resume and also provide you with valuable hands-on tax preparation experience. Selected York College students will be allowed to participate in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at York College for the 2018 tax-filing season. Student volunteers will learn how to prepare income tax returns using professional tax preparation software. Volunteers will also receive certification as IRS Certified volunteer tax preparers. No prior income tax knowledge or exposure is necessary.

The students selected to participate in this program will receive ALL the necessary training (tax law and tax software) before the tax season begins. In addition, students will develop a number of other skills such as problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership that are considered valuable to entry-level accounting and business professionals.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to gain exposure to income taxes prior to completing a course in taxation. In addition, this will increase your chances of being successful in the tax course. If you have already taken an income tax course, this is a chance to apply the knowledge that you have gained from that class.

If you would like to be considered for the York VITA program for the 2023 tax season, please complete an application

Please note that students willing to register for an internship class in the spring semester ( ACC 292, ACC 293) will receive preference to participate in the York VITA program. All Accounting majors must complete electives in Accounting. These courses fulfill the elective requirements for graduation.  Students will receive 3 credits for each of the courses.

Permission is always required to register for ACC 292 or ACC 293.  These courses can be found on CUNYFirst.    

Feel free to stop by the Accounting and Finance Department located in AC 2B06 for more information.