Free Tax Return Preparation for the Seton Hall Community

For the third year in a row, Seton Hall is teaming up with United Way to offer an exclusive opportunity to the University community: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

This initiative provides families and individuals with household incomes of up to $84,000 access to free, professional tax return preparation services.

Qualified members of the Seton Hall community — including administrators, faculty, staff, students, and our partners in Gourmet Dining and Securitas — are encouraged to book a one-hour appointment on Friday, February 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or Friday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This opportunity allows participants to have their tax returns prepared professionally at absolutely no cost.

“Last year, in partnership with VITA, Seton Hall student volunteers successfully filed 988 free tax returns, resulting in $960,000 in refunds," said Danielle DiMeglio, C.P.A., M.B.A., senior faculty associate and director of graduate programs in the Department of Accounting and Taxation. “Combined with the $300,000 avoided in tax preparation fees, the total value to the community was $1.26M."

She added, "Our long-standing partnership with VITA and United Way is a cornerstone of our community engagement. It's a fantastic way for students to gain practical experience and earn elective credits."

Seton Hall's Department of Accounting and Taxation, housed in the Stillman School of Business, integrates this program into its innovative Tax Lab course. Students not only participate in the VITA program but also receive comprehensive IRS training. They benefit from both in-person and virtual volunteering options, alongside regular mentorship from esteemed faculty members.

Eric Mollo, an M.S. in Accounting student who participated in the Tax Lab in 2024, said, "VITA's been a very rewarding experience and useful exercise in applying what I've learned in grad school. I do feel like I'm helping provide a service, while at the same time applying valuable concepts I learn in the classroom to real world tax work. I am so glad to have joined this program."

Avery E. Neumark, JD, LL.M., C.P.A, visiting instructor in the Department of Accounting and Taxation who leads Seton Hall’s Tax Lab, shared, "As tax complexities escalate, we're thrilled to offer our budding tax experts this real-world experience. They're not just building skills; they're making a tangible difference in the community."

Danielle Corea-Smith, senior advisor of VITA at United Way of Greater Newark, celebrates the strengthened bond through the Tax Lab course. "Seton Hall is a pillar of support for us. With more students on board this year, we're set to assist an unprecedented number of families and individuals."

The United Way of Greater Newark, in partnership with the Newark Asset Building Coalition, also offers the Newark Free Tax Prep initiative to provide free online and drop-off tax preparation services in Newark and East Orange, which is one of the volunteer opportunities for Seton Hall students.

All eligible members of the Seton Hall community (families and/or individuals with household incomes of up to $84,000) can register here to secure a one-hour appointment. While walk-ins are welcome, they may be directed to future events or those hosted by local programs.

For a smooth experience, registrants should check out this comprehensive list of what to bring to their appointment.

Categories: Business