As the 2026 tax season approaches, Ocean County College is once again offering free income tax preparation services to qualified community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Beginning Feb. 5, accounting students trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service will prepare and file federal and state tax returns at no cost. The program is aimed at underserved populations, including seniors and individuals with modest incomes.

College officials said the service provides a reliable and secure option for taxpayers.

Student volunteers receive formal training in tax law and approved tax software and must pass IRS certification exams. Each return is also subject to a quality review before being filed to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The IRS has operated the VITA program through partner sites nationwide for more than 50 years, preparing millions of returns annually. At Ocean County College, the program was introduced during the 2025 tax season and was continued this year following its initial success.

College President Pamela Monaco said the initiative benefits both residents and students.

“This is a wonderful approach to serve our various constituencies while providing students the opportunity to practice their skills as they give back to others,” Monaco said. She added that students from Kean University are also participating through collaboration with OCC faculty.

Former OCC accounting student Trish Archimbaud will serve as site coordinator for the second consecutive year.

“Having a VITA center on campus not only helps our community, but it also offers students hands-on experience in the accounting profession,” Archimbaud said. “They learn to interact with taxpayers in a professional setting and prepare tax returns.”

The VITA site will operate from Feb. 5 through April 15 on the Ocean County College main campus in the Library Building (Building 3), Room 1, also known as the Library Tower.

Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The site will be closed on Presidents Day, Feb. 16. Walk-in and drop-off services are not available.

Residents seeking assistance must meet eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment in advance. Additional information is available at go.ocean.edu/VITA or by email at [email protected].