Empowering the Community During Tax Season: A Conversation with PVAMU Student, Certified IRS Tax Preparer Ramona Morris on 91.3 KPVU

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (April 11, 2025) - Tax season can be an overwhelming time, especially for families and individuals with limited access to affordable tax preparation services. Thanks to Prairie View A&M University's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, expert help is closer than many may think-and it's completely free.

Now in its 20th year, the PVAMU VITA program is a collaborative effort between the College of Business, student and faculty volunteers, and the Internal Revenue Service. It offers reliable, no-cost tax preparation to eligible low-to-moderate-income households, serving not only Prairie View and Waller County residents but also qualified individuals from surrounding communities.

"This program gives Prairie View A&M University the opportunity to assist and serve the community around it with a vital and much-needed service," said Dr. Marvin Williams, coordinator of the VITA program and a certified public accountant. "Community service and societal impact are the inspirations for doing a program like this."

Whether it's preparing current or prior-year federal tax returns, amending previous returns, or offering limited tax planning services, VITA volunteers are trained, tested, and committed to providing high-quality support-all while helping participants maintain full confidentiality.

In the midst of tax season, 91.3 KPVU sat down with Ramona Morris, an administrative associate at Prairie View A&M University's College of Business and certified IRS tax preparer. With over 18 years of experience in tax preparation and a passion for community service, Morris is helping to lead the VITA program at PVAMU-a free initiative designed to provide tax support for those who need it most.

Marquis Lofton (aka Mark Angel), program director at KPVU, led the informative discussion.

Mark Angel:First off, Ramona, thank you for joining us. You're a staff member here at PVAMU, but also a student-can you share a bit about your journey?

Ramona Morris:Thank you! Yes, I'm originally from Arkansas, and I'm a single mother to three amazing adult daughters. I moved to Prairie View about a year and a half ago and have been with the College of Business for nearly four years. I'm also pursuing a degree in social work with a minor in psychology and plan to graduate Summer 2026.

MA:That's incredible-balancing work, school, and motherhood. And now, you're helping lead the VITA program. Tell us how you got involved.

RM:I've been a certified IRS tax preparer for 18 years. I added that to my resume, and when the Dean saw it, he immediately connected me to VITA. Now, I serve as the assistant coordinator for the program.

MA:For those unfamiliar, what exactly is the VITA program?

RM:VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. It's a free service provided in partnership with the IRS, offering tax prep help to low- and moderate-income individuals, especially those earning under $67,000. We assist students, staff, faculty, and community members in Waller, Hempstead-even folks from College Station come by. It's all about helping people get what they're entitled to, especially credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit that many miss out on.

MA:What inspired the University to partner with the IRS and start VITA?

RM:We noticed many people in the surrounding community weren't receiving the Earned Income Credit-they were losing out on millions collectively. So, the university stepped in, partnered with the IRS, and started offering this free service. We focus especially on older adults and individuals who might not understand the tax system. And it's 100% volunteer-based. We don't get paid, we just want to help.

MA:When and where can people access these services?

RM:Currently, we're operating out of Prairie View's campus. The hours are:

• Thursdays: 3 - 7 p.m.

• Fridays & Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Anyone interested can search "VITA" on the PVAMU website to find more information or to make an appointment. We also accept walk-ins!

MA:You mentioned people often come with questions. What's the most frequently asked?

RM:Hands down, it's about the Earned Income Credit. People often ask if the amount per child has increased or if having more than three kids gets them more money. The truth is, the credit maxes out at three children-even if you have four or five, you won't receive more than that maximum amount. It's a big misconception.

MA:That's good to know. And to qualify for VITA, you mentioned an income cap?

RM:Yes, we only prepare taxes for individuals making under $67,000 a year. Also, we handle only simple returns-no business taxes. The IRS doesn't allow us to do those through the program.

MA:How do you see the program growing in the future?

RM:It's already evolving! We're spreading the word in local communities-posting flyers at post offices, laundromats, and convenience stores. Word-of-mouth is also huge. As more people learn about it, we get more walk-ins, and it's amazing to see the impact.

MA:What about the common things people overlook on their taxes?

RM:A lot of people want to write off meals, gas, or dry cleaning, but the IRS gives everyone a standard deduction-this year, it's $14,500. Unless your itemized expenses exceed that amount, it's not beneficial to itemize. Another overlooked point: even if your child is working, you may still be able to claim them-if they indicate on their return that they canbe claimed as a dependent.

MA:Are there opportunities for students to get involved?

RM:Absolutely. Our program coordinator teaches federal income tax classes here at PV. Students in those classes can get certified through the IRS to volunteer with VITA. They gain hands-on experience, earn volunteer hours, and even receive class credit. It's a great way to build real-world skills while giving back.

MA:That's phenomenal. Final question-when does tax season end?

RM:The official deadline is April 15th-so we're in crunch time right now. But even if you're unsure or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're happy to help, even if we're just answering questions.

MA:Ramona, thank you so much for being here and for sharing this vital information with our community.

RM:Thank you for having me. It's truly an honor to serve.

The PVAMU VITA program stands as more than a seasonal service-it's a testament to the University's commitment to accessibility, education, and civic duty. For the volunteers, it's a real-world learning lab; for the community, it's a lifeline during a critical time of year.

To access the program, eligible individuals need to bring photo ID, tax documents such as W-2s or 1099s, Social Security cards for all family members, prior year returns (if available), and bank account information for direct deposit.

The confidentiality of each taxpayer is safeguarded with the utmost care-no documents are stored onsite, and returns are generally completed while the client is present. As the program continues to grow, it welcomes not only new clients but also new student volunteers eager to gain experience and make a difference.

For more information on the VITA Program at PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu and search "VITA" or contact the College of Business.

By Liz Faublas-Wallace

-PVAMU-