Salem, OR – Thanks to a program from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), two Oregon universities are offering free tax filing services to low-income individuals and families. The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program is designed to help people with annual incomes under $84,000, and its impact has been significant.
In 2024, the program facilitated the filing of 14,246 tax returns, including both current and prior-year filings—more than three times the number filed just two years ago, before the program’s inception. Oregon State University (OSU) and Western Oregon University are among the grant recipients, utilizing over 100 paid student workers to assist the community with tax filing services at no cost.
Emily Plant, a student at OSU pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree, is one of the student workers offering assistance. This marks her second year participating in the program. According to Plant, the service draws a diverse group of clients. About one-third are OSU students, but the program also attracts community members, some of whom travel over an hour to receive help.
“It’s really important work, really meaningful,” Plant said. “It helps people who have low incomes, disabilities, seniors, and people for whom English is a second language. Many people don’t realize they could be getting money back. We see individuals get several thousand dollars back, and for some, it’s life-changing.”
Similarly, Kelleen Green, a Master’s degree student in education at Western Oregon University, observed the impact the program has on people who initially feel overwhelmed or anxious about filing their taxes. Green explained that many clients expect the process to be difficult, but the experience of getting their taxes filed often leaves them feeling empowered.
“When we get taxpayers in, it’s amazing,” Green said. “They come in anxious and overwhelmed, thinking the worst will happen. We’re here to help them, and we almost always see them get refunds. It really helps them feel in control.”
Camila Martinez, a senior majoring in accounting at Western Oregon University, echoed Green’s sentiment. Martinez shared an example of a client who had paid $350 to a private tax accountant the previous year but received the same refund amount that they were able to secure through the university’s program—without the hefty fee.
“No situation is too hard to handle,” Martinez said. “We use all of our resources to help them, and it’s free. One client received a refund of over $1,000 this year, and they were incredibly grateful for our accessible services.”
The free tax preparation services are made possible through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. VITA volunteers are required to complete tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. The Tax Infrastructure Program also funds organizations that are culturally relevant or specific, including Tribal governments and rural community organizations, to further educate and assist low-income individuals with tax filing. The program offers help in multiple languages, ensuring broader accessibility.
In addition to providing free tax preparation, the grant funding is being used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon, expanding the reach of the service.
For many, the tax assistance provided by OSU and Western Oregon University is not just about filing taxes—it’s about making the process easier and more accessible for people who need it most. As Green emphasized, “It’s free and available to anyone who is eligible. It might be daunting to do taxes, but we’re here to help, answer questions, and lead you in the right direction.”
The ODHS Tax Infrastructure Grant Program continues to help people file their taxes with confidence, offering crucial support to those in need across Oregon.
