Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Are you a Madison College student, employee, or alumni in need of free tax preparation assistance? Madison College can help if you are eligible for our service!

Madison College participates in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The VITA Program offers free tax help to qualified taxpayers with an annual income below $54,000. The Madison College VITA program is only open to students, employees, and alumni of Madison College. 

Trained student volunteers help you prepare your tax return, including helping you access special tax credits you may qualify for, such as: 

  • Earned Income Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Education Credits

In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, we also offer free electronic filing (e-filing) to help you get your refund faster.  

Learn more about free tax return preparation for qualifying tax payers and what to bring to your appointment, such as a completed rent certificate signed by your landlord if you are eligible for the Wisconsin Homestead Credit. 

For eligibility verification and to schedule an appointment, call the Accounting & Business Lab at (608) 243-4310.  Madison College's Vita Program runs annually from February to March each year. 

  • Do I qualify for Tax Assistance

    The Madison College VITA program is only open to students, employees, and alumni of Madison College.

    To qualify for the VITA program at MATC you must have a:

    • Combined household income less than $54,000
    • Valid Social Security Card/ITIN
    • Photo Identification

    Please see a professional tax preparer for assistance with more complicated returns involving the following: 

    • Married filing separately
    • Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses of Stocks)-1099-B
    • Out of State, Part-year or Non-residence State returns
    • Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)-1099-MISC
    • Schedule E (Rental Property & Losses)
    • Sale of Home-1099-S
    • Cancellation of Debt: Credit Card, Foreclosure, Etc-1099-C
    • Form 8615 (investment income for minors)
    • Parts 4 & 5 of Form 8962 (Premium Tax Credits)
    • Bankruptcy Claims Amendments
    • Tip income not reported on W-2
    • Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA)
    • F-1 Student Visas
    • Schedule K-1 (Beneficiary’s Share of Income Deductions, Credits)

    Due to IRS restrictions, certain returns cannot be prepared because of complexity. Upon reviewing your documents, if we find your return beyond our scope we reserve the right to decline assistance to protect both parties. 

  • I am a student and want to volunteer

    As a student volunteer, you'll provide a valuable community service while gaining real life experience. Participating in VITA is a great resume builder too.

    If you're interested in becoming a volunteer you must complete a training program provided by the IRS and pass an exam.

    For additional information on how to become a volunteer contact:

    Kim Varsho KVarsho@madisoncollege.edu