Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is proud to report another successful season for its free tax preparation services, which concluded April 14 as part of the national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. As a service-learning initiative, the VITA program embodies SCC’s commitment to community engagement and workforce development, combining classroom learning with real-world impact.
Throughout the 2025 tax season, SCC volunteers helped prepare approximately 600 tax returns, resulting in more than $635,000 in refunds for local residents who need it most. The majority of returns – nearly 90% – were filed for individuals earning less than $67,000 a year.
While VITA directly supports community members, it also highlights SCC’s growing role in shaping Arizona’s financial services workforce. As a regional hub for finance and business careers, Arizona faces growing demand for professionals trained in areas like financial advising, banking, tax preparation, data analytics, and accounting. SCC is meeting that demand through a broad range of career-focused programs, including its Enrolled Agent and Securities Industry Essentials training.
Offered annually in partnership with the IRS, VITA is staffed by trained students and community volunteers who assist eligible taxpayers with basic tax return preparation at no cost. The program served a broad range of clients, including members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, SCC students eligible for education credits, and elderly taxpayers navigating the complexities of the Internal Revenue Code.
“The VITA program at Scottsdale Community College is a win-win,” said Sue Sandblom, SCC Business Faculty and Chair. “It provides a critical service for our community, and it gives our students hands-on experience that builds both confidence and career readiness.”
VITA provided valuable experience for students in SCC’s Enrolled Agent Certificate of Completion program, which helps students prepare for the IRS Enrolled Agent Examination. Enrolled Agents are federally authorized tax practitioners empowered to represent clients before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals. The program covers everything from individual and corporate tax preparation to tax law compliance and financial reporting, making it ideal for those pursuing tax careers or expanding existing skills.
In addition to the Enrolled Agent program, SCC offers Securities Industry Essentials certification training, business and financial degrees, and other stackable credentials that help students build marketable skills and launch careers in Arizona’s fast-growing financial services sector. More information about VITA and the other financial services offerings at Scottsdale Community College can be found on the Accounting, Banking, and Finance page.