DEMING — Western New Mexico University business students are once again offering free tax preparation services to the community through the university’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2026 tax season.
The VITA program provides free professional tax preparation and electronic filing for individuals and families with a household income of $69,000 or less, including residents of Silver City, Grant County, and Luna County. Services are provided by IRS-certified WNMU business students who complete extensive federal training and testing to ensure accuracy and confidentiality.
The free tax assistance will be available February 2 through April 2, 2026, at Watts Hall, 501 E. 18th Street, on the WNMU campus. Hours of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The VITA site will be closed during Spring Break, March 9 through March 13.
University officials say the program is a long-standing partnership with the Internal Revenue Service that benefits both students and the community. Business Administration students gain hands-on, real-world experience preparing tax returns, while community members receive a critical service at no cost.
Taxpayers planning to use the service should bring a photo ID, Social Security cards or ITINs for all individuals listed on the return, all income documents including W-2s and 1099s, health insurance forms 1095-A, B, or C, banking information for direct deposit, and a copy of their 2024 tax return, which is strongly recommended.