Administration and Finance Focus

2010 VITA (Voluntary Income Tax Assistance) Program

The large, foreign national student community at UH (24th in the U.S.) has benefited from VITA�s assistance in preparing their U.S. tax returns (Forms 1040 NR or 1040 NR EZ) in accordance with complex tax laws. The University of Houston was approved as a VITA site in 1998 for UH foreign nationals. The VITA program is offered by the Houston Chapter of CPAs in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The VITA program consists of volunteers from the Houston Chapter of CPAs and the local community who review and/or prepare tax returns for those individuals who need help in the local community. Most campus volunteers will be provided by the College of Business. The site manager will train these volunteers in preparing nonresident alien tax returns. International Student Services will provide the publicity for this campus event.

This program will not only provide an invaluable service to the foreign national community at the University of Houston, but also an enriching and educational experience for those students volunteering to help in preparing tax returns for UH foreign nationals.

(Note � The VITA program has partnered with the Mayor�s Citizens� Assistance Office, some financial institutions, and a few local businesses to �receive the baton� that was passed from the IRS. The organization has taken on the name, Houston Asset Building Coalition (HABC). This coalition is responsible for all phases of the VITA program.)