International Journal of Accounting and Taxation

A Descriptive Analysis of Coppin State VITA on the Baltimore Neighborhoods
Loretta Baryeh, Ph.D; Hyacinth Ezeka, CPA

Abstract
The study analyzed the Coppin State VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) and the related effects on the residents of the inner Baltimore City and the surrounding areas that used the services for tax preparation purposes for the 2013 to 2014 period. Coppin State VITA was run by accounting professors and students in the college of business in the Coppin State University. The study found that the majority of tax payers earned a refund. The average income of taxpayers was $22,000. The program was very beneficial to both the community and students of Coppin State University. Residents of the community benefitted from receiving professional tax preparation services from Coppin State VITA without having to pay. This saved the community thousands of dollars. The students benefited from preparing real taxes, whilst they were still students. Most students do not graduate with such an experience. The program fostered positive co-operation between the university and the community at large.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijat.v5n1a1