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The Rio Grande College of Business at Sul Ross State University successfully completed its first year offering free tax preparation and filing assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, helping individuals and families in communities across the region access important tax services at no cost.

The VITA program serves individuals with low incomes, people with limited English proficiency, and individuals with disabilities who need assistance preparing simple tax returns, including forms involving W-2 income, Social Security benefits and retirement income.

This inaugural year included VITA sites in Alpine and Eagle Pass, where trained volunteers worked to provide community members with accessible and reliable tax support.

According to data provided by the IRS Office of Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication, first-year VITA sites often face challenges in reaching minimum return expectations due to startup logistics and software costs. Despite those challenges, Sul Ross State University’s first-year efforts demonstrated significant and meaningful community impact.

During the 2026 filing season:

Alpine VITA Site

  • 20 tax returns prepared and transmitted
  • $987 in Earned Income Tax Credits
  • $16,787 in total tax refunds returned to taxpayers

Eagle Pass VITA Site (in collaboration with Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

  • 16 tax returns prepared and transmitted
  • $21,134 in Earned Income Tax Credits
  • $77,254 in total tax refunds returned to taxpayers

Combined, the two sites helped return more than $94,000 in tax refunds to local communities, funds expected to support local spending and strengthen regional economies.

The Rio Grande College of Business plans to continue expanding and improving the VITA program for future tax seasons, building upon lessons learned during the inaugural year and continuing its commitment to serving communities throughout the region.

For more information in Eagle Pass, email jose.mora@sulross.edu  or Cynthia.gomez@sulross.edu. In Alpine, email thomas.matula@sulross.edu or jawanna.sandersson@sulross.edu.