MONTICELLO, NY — Students in Monticello High School’s Academy of Finance (AOF) are putting their classroom learning into action this tax season by preparing returns for community members through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 

Participation in the program, now in its 19th year at the school, requires students to complete specialized training and pass IRS certification exams, ensuring they are qualified to accurately prepare federal and state tax returns, organizers said. The certifications cover a range of tax topics, from basic filing requirements to more complex credits and deductions.

By preparing taxes, the students develop “valuable real-world skills, including financial literacy, attention to detail, client communication and ethical responsibility,” Academy of Finance leaders said. “They also gain insight into potential careers in finance, accounting and business while providing an important service to the community.”

The Academy of Finance is described as a career-focused program at Monticello High School that prepares students for success in business and financial fields. “Through coursework, industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities like VITA, students build both academic knowledge and practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.”

Due to strong community interest, all VITA appointments have been fully booked for the remainder of the tax filing season. This highlights “both the demand for the service and the professionalism of the student volunteers delivering it,” leaders said.