Twin Accounting Majors Provide Free Tax Preparation at York College
From 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, the service is available to students, faculty, and community members in the Computer Lab behind Starbucks in the Humanities Center.
Twins Alexander and Victoria Jolakian ’27, Accounting majors at York College of Pennsylvania, are volunteers who participate in free tax-preparation services on campus from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, better known as VITA.
The service is open to students, faculty, and community members who qualify.
The Jolakians view using their skills and experience to benefit the campus and the York community as a highlight of their college experience.
From the golf course to the Graham School of Business
Alexander and Victoria came to the College from New Jersey after being recruited to play on the Spartan golf teams. Neither enrolled as Accounting majors.
Alexander initially chose Sport Management before taking a financial accounting class in his first semester. The required course quickly shifted his trajectory. He changed majors and found a career focus at the Graham School of Business.
Victoria enrolled as a Business Administration major. After working through her core classes, she realized Accounting was where she felt most at home.
The twins are deeply involved on campus. Victoria is an Eisenhart Scholar in the Honors Program and serves as Secretary of the Accounting Club. Alexander is a Graham Collaborative Innovation Fellow and Impact York Scholar in the Honors Program, Treasurer of the Accounting Club, and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Graham School of Business Student Advisory Committee.
The Accounting Club has opened professional doors for the twins. Mixers and networking events have introduced them to local professionals and led to internships for them this semester at area accounting firms.
And, of course, they compete on the Men’s and Women’s Golf teams.
“It’s been a great experience,” Alexander says of being a Spartan golfer. “I’ve learned so much about myself and grown so much. The game has taught me so many life lessons.”
VITA and who qualifies for tax help
As part of the York College Honors Program, Victoria and Alexander complete community service hours, which include tax return preparation. Last year, they volunteered with VITA for the first time, helping prepare tax paperwork for community members and students. Both agree that serving with VITA has felt more like a gift than an obligation.
“I saw the opportunity, and in my mind it was a no-brainer to learn more about tax and tax law,” Alexander says. “Whenever I’d see the taxpayer say, ‘Thank you so much. You saved me so much time and hassle,’ it puts a smile on my face. It’s a kind of elation you feel when you hear something like that.”
“It’s a great opportunity to gain experience,” Victoria adds.
VITA is a national IRS initiative that provides free basic tax return preparation to individuals who qualify under income guidelines, as well as those with disabilities and speakers of limited English.
Creating a welcoming space
For many people, filing tax returns can be intimidating. Laws change annually. Forms can be confusing. There’s often a fear of making mistakes. To help ease the anxiety, each tax appointment begins with a step-by-step intake interview.
“We try to encourage a welcoming environment,” Victoria says.
That approach makes a difference. Victoria recalls one woman who came in visibly nervous. As they walked through the process, she could sense the anxiety beginning to fade.
“I will never forget the transition from when she first walked in to at the end, when she was relieved,” she says. “It’s very rewarding.”
An invitation to the community
With tax season underway, the Jolakians urge community members who qualify to take advantage of the free VITA service at the Computer Lab behind Starbucks in the Humanities Center.
“It can be an overwhelming thing to worry about,” Alexander says. “Just seeing someone relieved that we were able to make their lives a bit easier, it’s such a wonderful feeling.”
“I would really encourage students and people in the community to utilize us as a resource,” Victoria adds. “We really enjoy doing it, and it’s free.”
VITA at York College of Pennsylvania
Wednesdays | 4-6 p.m. until April 15, 2026.
York College Computer Lab behind Starbucks in the Humanities Center
Free to qualifying campus and community members.
Walk-ins welcome; appointments are also available.
