We are in the midst of tax season and already the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun processing taxpayers’ returns. This federal government agency expects to receive about 164 million individual tax returns, and it is anticipated that most taxpayers will file electronically.
Since this method is the one recommended by this agency to speed up the review process and to issue refunds to those who qualify.
In Houston, eligible taxpayers can take advantage of the University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which will run through April 14, 2026.
The program highlights the unique combination of volunteering, professionalism, experience, and commitment to the university’s well-being, underscoring UHD’s Marilyn Davies School of Business, home to one of the region’s largest MBA programs.
UHD VITA is offered Tuesday through Saturday in person, walk-in, and online by appointment, with the same options that can be scheduled online. Although they note that the VITA program will be closed from March 10 to 14 for spring break, it will reopen immediately after this break.
UHD VITA is led by Dr. Arpita A. Shroff, President, and Dr. Hanife Topal, Site Coordinator.
More than 140 UHD student volunteers have received training to provide free assistance in the preparation and electronic filing of taxes for people who needed help preparing their federal returns for the 2026 tax season.
For more information, you may email [email protected] or visit www.uhd.edu/academics/business/acci/vita/index.aspx.
Who qualifies?
UHD VITA offers free tax preparation with electronic filing to people who need help preparing their federal returns, namely:
- People who generally earn $67,000 or less.
- People with disabilities.
- Taxpayers with limited English proficiency.
- College students.
- International individuals.
- Seniors (no income limit).
The schedule is as follows:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in person
In Room B226, Shea Street Building, 320 N. Main, and virtual.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In N412 and N414, One Main Building and virtual.
