Knauss School of Business Students Serve San Diego Through Tax Preparation
This semester, the Knauss School of Business officially launched its participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered by the IRS. By partnering with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), 20 Knauss students are stepping out of the classroom and into the community to provide free, professional tax preparation services for low-to-moderate-income families and refugees in San Diego.
A Values-Driven Approach
While many accounting students eventually find themselves at major firms helping multinational corporations manage complex tax liabilities, the VITA program offers them a different perspective: tax as a tool for humanitarian aid.
"Often in their careers, the focus is on how to save companies money," says Kimberly Krieg, an assistant professor of accounting currently leading the VITA partnership. "But tax affects everybody. This program is about providing a vital service to people who can really benefit from it, getting them the refunds and credits they are entitled to so they have the cash flow they need."
The partnership was championed by Knauss School of Business Dean Brian Tietje, who leveraged connections with the IRC to develop a "three-way partnership" between the IRS, the IRC and Knauss. By volunteering at sites in El Cajon and Mission Gorge, students are helping bridge the financial literacy gap for neighbors who might otherwise feel exploited by high-fee tax services.
Where Commitment Meets Community Impact
This isn't just a volunteer club; it is a three-unit course requiring careful training and commitment. To participate, students, ranging from undergraduates to Master of Accountancy (MACC) candidates, must pass three IRS certification exams: Advanced Tax Preparer, Ethics (Volunteer Standards of Conduct) and Intake/Interview procedures.
"In class, we go over the math," explains Owen Alkofer ’26, a dual degree bachelor's and master’s in accountancy student in the program. "But when you're actively looking at physical forms, seeing what interest income or gambling winnings actually look like on a tax form, it finally sinks in."
The impact on the community is immediate. Student volunteer Jacob Paule ’26 noted that while the VITA threshold is $69,000, many clients he serves have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $40,000 and $50,000. "In an expensive city like San Diego, that is a bit harsh," Jacob says. "The free service provides a less stressful financial burden on these individuals."
Learning More than Math
The VITA program also helps students develop the emotional intelligence and professional communication skills needed to succeed in their future roles.
"Accounting has a stereotype of being isolating, but we’re trying to buck that," Alkofer shares. "Building rapport and making people feel they are in good hands is a huge part of the job."
This sentiment is echoed by fellow accounting student, Edward Rodriguez ’27, who noted that being a young preparer sometimes comes with a trust gap. "Some taxpayers want someone older doing the returns," Rodriguez says. "But at the end of the day, when I walk through it, they always have a sense of relief knowing it was done well."
Education as a Service
For many clients, the VITA site is a classroom. Master’s student, Chloe Main ’26, recalls a favorite client who brought in a hand-calculated return. "I walked her through where her calculations went wrong so she could do her own taxes the following year," Chloe says. "It helps me understand the credits better, and she was really appreciative."
Students frequently find themselves navigating sensitive conversations about why a client might owe money. Justin Jackson ’27 explains that many taxpayers are surprised to find their employers didn't withhold enough throughout the year. "It's not the most fun explaining to clients that they still owe tax, but it is part of the profession," Justin notes. "Accountants can contribute to financial literacy by using their knowledge to do good in the community."
Bridging the Language and Literacy Barrier
For the refugee community served by the IRC, the barriers are often more than just financial. Milan Bever ’27 observes that many clients work multiple jobs and may not speak English as their first language. "Something people don’t realize is that they don’t understand W-2 or 1099 forms or what they can claim," Milan says. "Helping talk them through each step can go a long way in improving someone’s financial situation."
By identifying niche credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit, students are putting hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars back into the pockets of local families.
A Lasting Return
Though this is the "guinea pig" year for the program, the high level of student interest suggests a bright future. For students like Alkofer, who plans to go into nonprofit auditing, the experience has been foundational. "I’m getting insight into how these organizations function, which will be useful when I end up auditing them later this year," he says.
As the April 15 deadline arrives, these 20 Knauss School of Business students continue to prove that the most valuable returns in business education aren't always found on a balance sheet—they’re found in the community.
-Jessica Applonie