Shepherd University Faculty and Students Provide Free Tax Preparation Services to Local Residents

ISSUED: 22 January 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV - Shepherd University accounting students and faculty are helping provide free federal and state tax preparation services to eligible residents of West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Services are available by appointment to individuals and families who earned $67,000 or less in 2025.

At Shepherd University, accounting students prepare tax returns under the supervision of Faculty Advisor Robert Perry. Returns are reviewed by Perry and representatives from MountainHeart Community Services, Inc., who also submit the completed filings to the Internal Revenue Service. This collaborative model ensures accuracy and confidentiality while providing students with valuable, hand-on experience in tax preparation.

Shepherd University and MountainHeart Community Services are members of the Eastern Panhandle EITC Coalition, which works to expand access to trusted, no-cost tax assistance and help residents claim credits they have earned, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Appointments at Shepherd University will begin Tuesday, February 3, and will be held at the Scarborough Library on select Tuesdays. Appointment times vary, and individuals should call 304-614-6927 to reserve their timeslot.

The VITA program is a nationwide, IRS-supported initiative designed to help eligible taxpayers file accurate returns while strengthening financial stability in local communities. VITA services are being offered at multiple locations throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

To learn more about Shepherd University's accounting program, visit https://www.shepherd.edu/accounting.

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