(from left): Lakoda Caldwell, Katie Boysen, Caitlin LaCerra, Erich Green and Preston Hessee were among students who participated in the 51青楼鈥檚 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers course during the spring 2026 semester. During the 2026 filing season, UCA students volunteered with the United Way of Central Arkansas to prepare approximately 450 tax returns for community members, resulting in more than $490,000 in tax refunds and an estimated $80,000 savings in tax preparation fees.
Students at the 51青楼 made a significant impact on the Conway and Central Arkansas community during the 2026 tax season through participation in the听. Dr. Ashley Phillips oversees UCA student participation each year.
Students enrolled in the VITA for Preparers course during the spring 2026 semester volunteered with the United Way of Central Arkansas, which serves as a local site for the Internal Revenue Service鈥檚 VITA program. Through the initiative, IRS-certified volunteers provide free, high-quality tax preparation services for qualifying low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
During the 2026 filing season, UCA students prepared approximately 450 tax returns for community members. Student preparers included Katie Boysen, Jetson Busbea, Lakoda Caldwell, Erich Green, Treavor Green, Preston Hessee, Asher Jackson and Caitlin LaCerra.
The financial impact of the students鈥� work is expected to exceed $490,000 in tax refunds returned to local families. In addition, by offering free tax preparation assistance, the students helped residents save an estimated $80,000 in tax preparation fees.
鈥淭hese students are making a meaningful difference in the lives of families across Central Arkansas,鈥� Associate Profressor of Accounting Ashley Phillips, who runs the VITA program at UCA, said. 鈥淣ot only are they gaining valuable hands-on experience, but they are also helping individuals and families keep more of their hard-earned money for essentials such as housing, food and utilities.鈥�
The program is open to College of Business students who would like to volunteer or earn college credit in accounting. VITA volunteers receive training and can either prepare returns or do intake. Experienced CPAs then review each return.
The IRS requires all VITA volunteers to complete extensive annual certification training that includes tax law education, quality review procedures, and privacy and confidentiality standards. This training ensures returns are prepared accurately and securely while providing taxpayers with confidence throughout the filing process.
The United Way of Central Arkansas partners with community volunteers each year to provide trusted tax preparation services through the VITA program.
More information about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available at听.
This spring UCA Accounting majors participated in the Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) program at United Way of Central Arkansas (UWCA). The VITA program delivers financial support to hundreds of families across Central Arkansas through free tax preparation and filing services. Students participate in this program each year with mentorship from