Taxes remain one of the few certainties in life. For the last 18 years, another has been Temple University’s free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
This year, Temple will again offer the VITA program to qualifying families and individuals. The program, available at Temple’s Main Campus and the Ambler Campus, is offered at no expense to qualifying individuals and families from the Greater Philadelphia area.
“The VITA program has really become a staple of the university, and it’s a great example of how Temple authentically engages with the Philadelphia community,” said Steve Balsam, professor of accounting and the coordinator of Temple’s VITA program. “Over the years, we have developed a rapport with many of our clients, which is one of the special things about VITA. These clients are much more than that; they have become our friends.”
The program, which is sponsored by Temple’s Fox School of Business, is for those with low to moderate incomes, and has been expanded to now be open to families and individuals who make less than $67,000 annually. To qualify for the program, prospective clients must also not own a business or rental property and must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Since its inception, Temple’s VITA program has had considerable impact. In the past year alone, the program prepared almost 700 returns and claimed approximately $800,000 in federal and state tax refunds for clients.
Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 5, through Saturday, April 12, the VITA program will be offered by appointment Wednesday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Campus, 1810 N. 13th St., and Saturday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Road. Appointments can be made by calling 215-326-9519 or emailing [click-for-email].
In addition to conducting the in-person returns, the VITA program will allow clients who can’t make it during those hours to drop off materials at Alter Hall, 1801 Liacouras Walk, Room 360, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but clients should be sure to visit fox.temple.edu/vita to know exactly what they need to bring with them to have a return filed.
The tax returns are prepared by Temple University students and alumni, who work alongside Balsam.
“I am always thankful for the support of students and faculty throughout the Department of Accounting,” Balsam said. “Without them, we would not be able to do this year after year, so I very much appreciate the efforts of all of our volunteers.”
For additional information about VITA 2025, email [click-for-email].
—Stephen Orbanek