Yellowstone Times

Montana State University students have recently returned from a unique experience in Alaska, where they assisted Native communities with tax returns. Graduate students Lily Alexander, Mariah Ketterling, and Nicholas Caiazzo spent nine days in the Arctic Circle as part of their studies in professional accounting at the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

These students are participants in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) at MSU, which aids individuals earning under $60,000 annually with their tax preparations. Through collaboration with the Alaska Business Development Center (ABDC), MSU's VITA program extends its services to Alaska Native communities.

The students underwent extensive training after applying to ABDC in November and interviewing in December. Their preparation included completing numerous practice tax returns to equip them for challenges such as limited Internet and cellphone service. Ketterling noted that this training was essential for dealing with complex scenarios.

Their journey took them from Anchorage to Fairbanks and then via a bush plane to Fort Yukon and Arctic Village. These remote locations are home to Gwich'in Alaska Native peoples. The team completed approximately 160 tax returns using minimal equipment: three laptops, a printer, and an ethernet cable.

Gary Liu, VITA program coordinator at MSU, emphasized the benefits of such hands-on experiences for students. "Participating in VITA, especially in a setting like Alaska, provides students with invaluable hands-on experience that extends beyond what they have learned in class," he said.

Despite long working hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the students embraced local culture by dogsledding during breaks and witnessing the Northern Lights. They also enjoyed local cuisine such as Mongolian moose and celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Arctic Village schoolhouse.

Before leaving for Alaska, people were surprised by their destination choice due to its remoteness. However, Alexander shared that they were warmly welcomed by Jamela from ABDC and her grandmother in Fort Yukon. "We just got to learn so much," Alexander remarked about their cultural experiences.

Angela Woodland, an accounting professor at MSU, highlighted the significance of their work: “The value of accounting professionals lies in meeting the needs of people.” She commended the trio's efforts as foundational for their future careers.

Back in Bozeman, these students continue volunteering with VITA sessions until April. For further details on these sessions visit www.montana.edu/news/24285/montana-state-accounting-students-to-offer-free-tax-help-starting-feb-24.