SUNY Oswego home page

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Real experience. Real impact. Real confidence.

Through VITA, COBE students become IRS-certified volunteers who prepare real tax returns for community members at no cost. It’s hands-on, meaningful work that builds professional skills while helping people in Oswego and Fulton during tax season.

For students, VITA is more than service—it’s experiential learning that counts. You’ll work with real clients, apply what you’ve learned in class, strengthen communication skills, and gain experience that stands out on résumés and in interviews. For the community, it’s free, trusted tax assistance delivered by trained student volunteers and faculty advisors.

Whether you’re here to gain experience or get help filing your taxes, VITA is about showing up, learning by doing, and making a difference.

Learn by Doing. Make an Impact.

VITA is one of the most valuable hands-on learning experiences COBE offers. As a student volunteer, you’ll become IRS-certified and work directly with real clients to prepare tax returns—applying what you’ve learned in class in a real-world setting.

This isn’t a simulation. It’s professional experience that builds confidence fast.

What You’ll Gain

  • Real-world experience working with actual clients

  • IRS certification, a standout résumé credential

  • Stronger communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills

  • Confidence navigating professional conversations

  • Experience that translates directly to internships, jobs, and graduate school

 

 

Why Students Love VITA

Students consistently say VITA helps them:

  • Feel more prepared for internships and interviews

  • Understand course material on a deeper level

  • Build confidence doing professional work

  • Give back to the community while gaining experience

You’ll be supported every step of the way by faculty and program leaders who make sure you’re prepared, confident, and never doing this alone.

Free, Trusted Tax Help—Here for You

SUNY Oswego’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation for eligible individuals and families in the Oswego and Fulton communities. Tax returns are prepared by IRS-certified student volunteers and reviewed by trained faculty and program supervisors to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.

VITA is designed to be supportive, respectful, and stress-free—whether this is your first time filing or you just want help from someone you trust.

Who Can Use VITA Services

VITA provides free tax assistance to individuals who:

  • Generally earn $69,000 or less

  • Are persons with disabilities

  • Are limited English-speaking taxpayers

 

 

 

 

What to Bring

To help us prepare your return, please bring:

  • Last year’s tax return (if available)

  • W-2 forms

  • 1099 forms

  • Any other relevant tax documents

  • A valid form of identification (such as a New York State ID)

 

 

 

Locations, Dates, and Times

Fulton

Oswego County Offices

200 North Second Street

Tuesdays | 4:30–7:30 p.m.

February 3 – April 14, 2026

(Except March 17)

 

Oswego

221 Rich Hall

SUNY Oswego (Main Campus)

Saturdays | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

January 28 – April 11, 2026

(Except March 14, March 21,

 and April 4)

 

How to Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment, call 315-596-2551 and leave a message with your name and phone number. All messages will be returned within 24 hours.

For additional information, email [email protected] or call 315-596-2551.

Appointments will begin being scheduled on Monday, January 28, 2026.