Murray State University's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE federal and state tax preparation and e-filing for low to moderate income levels in our community. This includes students, faculty, international students, MSU employees, low to moderate income individuals, families, retired and elderly taxpayers.

Since 1976, MSU has participated in this annual IRS sponsored program hosted by the MSU Accounting Department and Beta Alpha Psi. Our program also partners with The United Way of Murray-Calloway County which graciously assists in promoting and expanding community outreach efforts.

Tax returns are prepared by student volunteers who have attended training and passed required tax law certifications from the IRS. The Site Director and Site Coordinators oversee and assist volunteers through each step of tax return preparation and filing.

How do I get my taxes completed?

Our 2021 Tax Season will look a little different this year. Due to COVID restrictions we will be operating as a Virtual Site. Clients wishing to file their taxes with us will have two secure avenues to choose from: Online or Drop Off

Option 1 - Online: Clients may download and complete the required application intake form (13614-C) located under the "Clients" tab on this site. The completed form along with copies of photo identification (driver's license or MSU ID), social security card (ITIN), W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, 1095s, and any other relevant tax documents can then be uploaded under the "Client Application" button at the bottom of the "Clients" tab. Online applications will be accepted Monday through Thursday prior to the Friday VITA session. Please note availibility is limited weekly and will be based on first come, first serve.

Option 2 - Drop Off: Clients not wishing to participate online may drop off all the required documents between 10:15am and 1:00pm at MSU Business Building South, third floor, room BB353 during one of the five Friday VITA sessions. The required tax documents will be scanned and returned to the taxpayer. Prior to coming to the drop off location, clients must complete the application intake form (13614-C). The form may be downloaded from this site under the "Clients" tab or picked up at the MSU Accounting Department Office (Business Building South, first floor). The form can also be emailed to you upon your request at msu.vita@murraystate.edu. Taxpayers should bring the completed application intake form (13614-C) along with their photo identification (driver's license or MSU ID), social security card (ITIN), W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, 1095s, and any other relevant tax documents.

What happens after your tax documents have been submitted?

Our volunteers will be preparing tax returns during our five Friday sessions. Your application will be assigned based on the order received. Once received documents will be reviewed by your assigned volunteers, you will be contacted by phone or email regarding any possible questions or additional needed documents. Once all questions are answered and needed documents received, your tax return will be prepared during the five Friday sessions by our trained volunteers and then reviewed by a site coordinator.

What happens once your federal and state returns have been completed?

You will be notified by phone or email once your return has been completed. Your completed tax return will be emailed to you via a secure 7-Zip file. We will provide you with a password and instructions on how to access your tax return. We can review your completed return with you by phone or you may set an appointment to review in person. Once all questions you may have regarding your return have been answered, direct deposit information will be asked for and your federal and state tax return will be be reviewed again by the site director and e-filed. Please make sure to give your volunteer any PIN numbers the IRS has mailed you. The return will be rejected if this is not provided.