For many people, tax season comes with a mix of hope and anxiety — hope for a refund and anxiety about making a mistake that could delay it or leave money unclaimed. 

UNLV accounting students volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program see that uncertainty firsthand. Through VITA, Lee Business School students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, gaining hands-on experience while serving the Southern Nevada community.

Since 2021, UNLV VITA volunteers have prepared more than 450 federal tax returns. In a recent statewide initiative, VITA clinics helped secure $1.3 million in tax refunds for Nevadans — dollars that went directly back into household budgets across the state.

“Most of the issues we encounter aren’t major errors,” says Debra Biordi, CPA, who oversees UNLV’s VITA program. “They’re everyday assumptions that people don’t realize can impact their refund or create unexpected bills.” 

Why Early Guidance Matters 

Each year, IRS-certified UNLV accounting students provide free tax preparation services to eligible community members. In the process, they see how small misunderstandings, not complex tax schemes, are often what cost taxpayers time and money.

“One of the biggest surprises for many people is learning they qualified for a credit they didn’t even know existed,” Biordi said. “Without guidance, those credits can go unclaimed.”

Credits related to childcare, education expenses, or earned income can make a meaningful difference in a household budget. But eligibility rules can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time filers or families experiencing recent life changes.

Small Missteps Can Cause Big Delays

Some of the issues VITA volunteers see each year stem from simple choices. Choosing to file by paper, for example, can slow down processing and increase the likelihood of errors. Electronic filing is generally faster, more secure, and helps avoid common mistakes that delay refunds.

One common misunderstanding involves filing extensions. “An extension provides extra time to submit paperwork, not extra time to pay,” Biordi explained. “Taxes owed are still due by the original April deadline.” 

• Quick Tip: Can’t pay in full? IRS payment plans may help reduce penalties and spread out costs.

That getting a large refund is good is another common misconception. While many people view a refund as a bonus, it often means they paid more than necessary throughout the year.

“In many cases, a refund simply means the government held onto your money longer than it needed to,” Biordi said. “Adjusting withholdings may help people manage their cash flow more effectively.”

Life Changes Matter More Than People Expect

Major milestones can also affect how someone should file, often without them realizing it. Marriage, having a child, or changes in employment can all impact tax obligations.

For new parents, something as basic as obtaining a Social Security number for a newborn can affect eligibility for certain tax credits. Without it, families may miss benefits they are entitled to.

Side income is another area that catches people off guard. Income from freelance work, gig platforms, or informal side hustles is still taxable, even if it doesn’t come with a traditional W-2 or feels secondary to a primary job.

• Quick Tip: No W-2 or 1099? Income must still be reported even if you don't receive these forms.

Tax Questions Continue to Evolve

As federal tax laws change, so do the questions taxpayers bring to the VITA program.

Recent updates to federal tax policy have raised new questions about overtime and tip income, particularly for workers whose pay varies week to week. In Southern Nevada, where many residents work in hospitality and gaming, questions about tip income are especially common. That makes accurate reporting more important than ever.

• Quick Tip: Recent changes to federal tax law have updated how tip and overtime income must be reported.

A Calmer Way Through Tax Season

For many taxpayers, the most valuable part of the VITA experience isn’t just filing a return — it’s leaving with clarity.

“Tax season doesn’t have to feel intimidating,” Biordi said. “Most issues are fixable, and often easier to address with the right support.”

UNLV's VITA program not only serves the community but also gives accounting students hand-on experience applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations. 

“Students learn how to translate technical tax concepts into language people can understand,” Biordi said. “That’s a powerful skill.”