Greenville Technical College accounting students save community thousands through volunteer tax preparation

Students in an advanced accounting class at Greenville Technical College offered free tax preparation services to the community through the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the Spring Semester. The college has participated in this impactful initiative since 2012, saving the community thousands in tax preparation fees. Students complete IRS Advanced Certification and tax software training during the Fall Semester, followed by intensive process training leading up to tax season in the spring.

This year, the Greenville Tech accounting students filed 176 tax returns, saving taxpayers approximately $35,200 in preparation fees. Those served received a total of $227,341 in federal and state refunds. Fifty students participated and contributed 703 volunteer hours.

United Way’s VITA program provides free income tax assistance to individuals and families with a household income of $60,000 or less. IRS-trained and certified volunteers serve at 40 locations across the Upstate, helping participants claim all eligible tax credits and deductions.

“Each year, I’m proud to see our students put their skills to work in a way that helps our community,” said Kim Silver, program coordinator for Accounting at Greenville Technical College. “The VITA program at Greenville Tech is more than a learning opportunity—it’s a chance for our students to make a meaningful difference for people in our community, while gaining confidence and experience that will serve them well in their careers.”

For more than 12 years (excluding 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID), the VITA effort at Greenville Tech has assisted with 3,533 returns, saving $568,400 in tax preparation fees and allowing for refunds of more than $4.3 million.