UVA Students Offer Free Tax Help as Deadline Nears

Student-run CASH program provides tax prep services to community members

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A softly blurred, atmospheric scene of a young adult working intently at a desk, surrounded by the tools of tax preparation, conveying a sense of focused productivity and community service.UVA students volunteer countless hours each tax season to provide free tax preparation services to their local community.University of Virginia Today

A group of University of Virginia students, part of the CASH organization, is offering free tax preparation services to community members as the April 15 filing deadline approaches. The student-run program has 140 volunteers who have spent over 3,000 hours this tax season filing returns at no cost for individuals making $69,000 a year or less.

Why it matters

The CASH program provides an important community service by helping lower-income individuals and families navigate the complex tax filing process and maximize their refunds, putting millions of dollars back into the local economy each year. The program also gives UVA students valuable real-world experience in tax preparation and client services.

The details

CASH, the student-run organization at UVA, has trained its 140 volunteers to become IRS-certified tax preparers. The group added a new location at the International Rescue Center this year to serve more clients, and they've seen 150 to 200 clients per week. The program's leaders, fourth-year students Lily Egenrieder and Saahas Gowda, say the experience is rewarding as they get to learn about their clients' life stories during the 30-45 minute tax prep sessions.

  • CASH has spent more than 3,000 hours this tax season filing returns.
  • The organization trains its volunteers in the fall and has them take an IRS certification exam in January.
  • With one week remaining until the April 15 deadline, CASH's doors are open to all who qualify for their services.

The players

CASH

A student-run organization at the University of Virginia that provides free tax preparation services to community members.

Lily Egenrieder

The head program manager for CASH and a fourth-year UVA student.

Saahas Gowda

A fourth-year UVA student who co-leads the CASH program.

International Rescue Center

A new location added by CASH this year to serve more clients in the community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It never feels like work, like honestly, and I mean that so genuinely.”

— Lily Egenrieder, Head program manager, CASH

“This year everybody passed. We're super happy about that.”

— Saahas Gowda, Co-leader, CASH

“Last year I was putting in, I think, 20 hours a week just in back end, scheduling and organizational things.”

— Lily Egenrieder, Head program manager, CASH

“We only get to work with our families for about 30 to 45 minutes, maybe an hour depending on the complexity of their return. But being able to get to understand their life stories is something we definitely don't take for granted.”

— Saahas Gowda, Co-leader, CASH

What’s next

With the April 15 tax filing deadline just one week away, the CASH program is encouraging all eligible community members to take advantage of their free tax preparation services before time runs out.

The takeaway

The CASH program at the University of Virginia is providing a valuable community service by helping lower-income individuals and families navigate the complex tax filing process at no cost. The student-run organization's dedication and commitment to serving their community is a testament to the positive impact young people can have when they put their skills and passion to work for the greater good.