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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. Our VITA site is open for services. We cannot accept any next tax returns. All tax returns must be reviewed and picked up by April 12th. For more information about the program, visit https://go.gies.illinois.edu/VITA.
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  • People running in a race

    Pick Up Your Tax Return, Please

    Apr 8, 2025 10:45 am42 views

    Before your tax return can be filed by Gies VITA, you need to return to our Salt & Light Urbana site to review and sign your tax return. The last day to pick up returns is April 12th.

    Please don't put it off until the last day. Lines are likely to get long.


  • Tackling Tax Basics Get Savvy Webinar

    Tackling Tax Basics Webinar

    Apr 1, 2025 5:00 pm12 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.

  • Alphabetical file box

    Only a Few Days Left for 2024 Tax Season!

    Mar 31, 2025 1:30 pm86 views

    The Gies VITA Site will accept new tax returns to be prepared until Saturday, April 5th. Taxpayers must then return by April 12th to review and sign their tax returns. Only a few days left for 2024 tax season!

  • Student on phone

    College Students Talk to Your Family Before You Prepare Your Taxes

    Mar 31, 2025 1:00 pm2 views

    Young adults need to coordinate with their family to decide who will claim who as a dependent. The answer may include looking at potential tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and education-related tax credits.

  • Taxes for International Students Webinar

    Feb 24, 2025 8:30 pm53 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!

  • 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 pm92 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

  • How to Prepare for Your VITA Site Visit

    Jan 20, 2025 2:15 pm573 views

    To take part in the VITA program, please bring identification and tax documents to Salt & Light (1819 Philo Road, Urbana). Without these documents, your tax return cannot be prepared.

    Click on the title above to read more about preparing for your VITA site visit.

  • 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!

    Jan 12, 2025 3:30 pm986 views

    The Gies VITA site opened February 1, 2025. Click on the blog title to read more about open hours and who is eligible for free tax preparation services!

  • Two people shaking hands over a desk

    Selecting a Paid Tax Professional

    Jan 23, 2025 10:00 am32 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.

  • Have You Checked Your Withholdings Lately?

    Oct 19, 2024 5:15 pm5 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

  • The word blog in speaking bubbles.

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

    Oct 7, 2024 4:45 pm64 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.