GSW accounting students offer free tax preparation through VITA program in partnership with Sumter County Extension Service

AMERICUS, Ga. (Feb. 11, 2026) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) accounting students, in partnership with the Sumter County Extension Service, are offering free tax preparation services to the Americus community through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This initiative aims to improve family economic well-being and stability while providing GSW students with hands-on experience in tax preparation and financial literacy. 

Developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free tax assistance to low- to moderate-income individuals, generally those with a household income of $60,000 or less, who may need help preparing their federal and state tax returns.  

Services are available by appointment only on Monday and Wednesday from Feb. 9 to April 1, from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m., on the first floor of the Business, History, Political Science building on GSW’s campus. To schedule an appointment, call 229-931-2859.

The VITA program is integrated into GSW’s service-learning course in federal individual taxation. Through this hands-on experience, students complete IRS certification, conduct client interviews, gather and review tax documents, accurately prepare federal income tax returns, and meet with clients again to finalize filings and offer future financial planning, enhancing their understanding of community engagement and social responsibility.

“This project is central to the mission of the College of Business and Computing (COBAC),” said Dawn Hart, DBA, assistant accounting professor. “As a regional institution, COBAC focuses on reducing poverty in Southwest Georgia through financial literacy and economic development. Through the VITA service-learning program, our students help community members navigate tax preparation and financial planning. In 2025, 13 student volunteers completed 81 federal and 81 Georgia tax returns, generating more than $99,000 in refunds and credits while saving Sumter County taxpayers an estimated $32,400 in preparation fees.”

GSW is partnering with County Extension Coordinator and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Mitzi Parker from the Sumter County Extension Service to facilitate this initiative.

Dajanai Downs, a junior accounting major from Albany, Ga, is eager to serve the community and grow in the process. "I am excited for VITA because it allows me to obtain experience in my career field while also helping those who bless me with the opportunity to do so."

Xavier Blodgett, a senior accounting major from Preston, Ga, "By participating in VITA, I aim to use my growing tax knowledge to make a real, tangible difference for people who need it most."

Willie Burts, a junior accounting major from Albany, Ga, said “I am really looking forward to the VITA program because it allows me to gain hands on tax experience while making a real impact by helping members of the community during tax season.”

GSW students, staff, and faculty are also eligible to participate in VITA's free tax preparation program.

For more information or questions, please contact Mitzi Parker at mitziparker@uga.edu or Dawn Hart at dawn.hart@gsw.edu.