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VITA at Gies -- Take Charge of Your Taxes
Get up-to-date news on the VITA income tax program through Gies Business, including tips for your taxes and the schedule for the Gies VITA site at Salt & Light Urbana. The VITA site will be open starting Tuesday, February 3, 2026. For more information about the program, visit https://go.gies.illinois.edu/VITA.
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  • Prepay or Prepare to Pay Taxes webinar

    Prepay or Prepare to Pay: Tax Planning for Students

    Oct 4, 2025 3:30 pm2 views

    Don't get stuck with a large tax bill in April! Learn how to estimate your tax liability and make strategic decisions about pre-paying taxes or adjusting withholdings to avoid penalties and unexpected tax bills, especially for students earning income or receiving fellowships, scholarships, and grants.

  • Have You Checked Your Withholdings Lately?

    Oct 19, 2024 5:15 pm8 views

    The best way to avoid a surprise at tax time is to check your withholding. Watch this IRS video to learn more, and head over to www.irs.gov/withholding. #IRS #taxes

  • Cute dog saying "Doing your taxes could be a walk in the park. Get your taxes done for FREE at at free tax preparation site.

    Mark Your Calendars!

    Oct 11, 2025 3:30 pm1003 views

    The Gies VITA site will open February 3, 2026. Click on the blog title to read more about open hours and who is eligible for free tax preparation services!

  • Tackling Tax Basics Get Savvy Webinar

    Tackling Tax Basics Webinar

    Apr 1, 2025 5:00 pm18 views

    Tackling Tax Basics #GetSavvy webinar recording can jumpstart your knowledge before you file your taxes. Take time to listen to this free webinar recording featuring Mandi Alt, Gies College of Business faculty and produced by University of Illinois Student Money Management Center.

  • Taxes for International Students Webinar

    Feb 24, 2025 8:30 pm57 views

    Filing your tax return can be stressful and challenging, especially if you're an international student. Listen to this webinar to learn more about your responsibilities as well as resources to help you!

  • Two people shaking hands over a desk

    Selecting a Paid Tax Professional

    Jan 23, 2025 10:00 am37 views

    At times your best option for preparing your taxes is to hire a paid tax professional. When you hire someone to prepare your taxes, take the time to interview one to three persons to find the best fit for you and your situation. Click on the title above to read more.

  • Southern Illinois landscape with text that says Illinois check out directfile.irs.gov

    Free Tax Filing Directly with the IRS

    Feb 24, 2025 9:15 pm97 views

    Illinois and 24 other states have joined Direct File, which means that this year you may be able to do your taxes, for free, directly with the #IRS. Find out if you can use this option: directfile.irs.gov

  • The word blog in speaking bubbles.

    Announcing: VITA at Gies – Take Charge of Your Taxes Blog

    Oct 7, 2024 4:45 pm68 views

    Welcome to VITA at Gies Blog! On this blog, you can learn more about:

    • how to take part at Gies VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site, and
    • timely information from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service).

    The University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business and Salt & Light partner to bring the IRS-sponsored VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program to the local community. The VITA program is designed to help lower-income households, older adults, people with disabilities as well as non-English speakers prepare their tax returns.

    Tax preparation services are FREE. Plus, VITA tax preparers help people receive eligible tax credits to get money back. VITA services begin February 1st.