Instructor and student working at computer on tax return.

The Williams High School Accounting Department and Academy of Finance students are offering free preparation for lower income individuals.  

More than 30 students are in the program and assisting.  All of them have successfully completed Accounting 1 and/or Accounting 2 or are currently enrolled in honors accounting classes.  

This is the ninth year Williams students have participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program with assistance from local IRS representatives, Burlington CPA’s Ron Cardwell and Scott Fowler, and Williams accounting instructors.  Last year, students prepared over 70 tax returns for members of the community, with over $75,000 in state and federal refunds received by our clients.

Accounting students helping older couple with taxes.


“We saw senior citizens spending upwards of $500 to have their taxes prepared.  That’s money they can use to buy groceries, medication, or pay their utility bills.  I’m proud of the work our students are doing to help these lower income individuals in our community,” said Mary Margaret Harris, VITA coordinator. 

Those who earned less than $60,000 during 2022, may be eligible. The program is specifically geared to help older Americans, students, and people with disabilities.  

Those interested in making an appointment can call Williams High School at  336-438-4000 ext. 39621 for more information or by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/wwhsvita20... 

With the exception of spring break, students will be working up to the tax deadline of April 18, 2023 to complete returns. 

Accounting instructor helping students in a computer lab at Williams High

“This is great for our students.  They earn credit toward their class grade, receive volunteer hours for their participation and can put this on their resume and college applications,” Harris added.  

“Many of them plan to pursue careers in Accounting, and VITA has been integral in helping make that decision and helping with their career preparedness.”  

group of Williams accounting students posing for photo with IRS representatives