Candy Zhou: Transforming Lives Through UB's IRD-Sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

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This project involved volunteering for the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Candy helped clients file their annual tax returns. Here is what Candy had to say about the experience:

What I Did:

"My involvement in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program encompassed the roles of intake, preparer, and reviewer. Intake reviews the client's documentation and evaluates their qualifications for the program. The preparer utilizes the documents to complete the tax return. A reviewer then checks the tax return and approves it for submission."

What I Learned:

"From this experience, I developed my proficiency in working with clients and providing clear communication. Other skills that I developed from this project experience include critical thinking, adaptability, collaboration, and professionalism. Overall, this experience has supported my academic and professional goals by reaffirming my decision in becoming a tax professional. I am confident that the soft skills I developed throughout VITA will continue to be utilized in my future, in both academic and professional settings. Other students should get involved in projects like this because they produce learning opportunities that will be practical for themselves and the people around them, as many people file their taxes or want to improve their financial literacy."