Programs
Money Smart Week
Get ready for Money Smart Week!
April 15-21, 2027
This annual observance shines a spotlight on financial literacy and encourages people of all ages to strengthen their financial knowledge, build confidence, and make informed decisions about their money and financial future.
Check back often for updates and discover ways to learn and grow! Take the next step toward a stronger financial future!
Retirement Planning Today
Feel more confident about your retirement future.
Retirement Planning Today is returning to the Regions Institute for Financial Education in Spring 2027. Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, this program can help you make sense of your options, identify potential gaps, and feel more prepared for the financial decisions ahead.
By participating, you’ll have an opportunity to:
- See where you stand and better understand whether your current savings and income may support the retirement lifestyle you envision.
- Know your income options and explore how Social Security, retirement accounts, and other resources can work together.
- Make informed decisions about your savings so you can approach retirement with greater clarity and confidence.
- Prepare for the costs that come with retirement, including healthcare and other expenses that can affect your financial plans.
- Think through how you’ll use your money in retirement, including how to turn your savings into sustainable income.
- Recognize factors that can impact your retirement income, including taxes, inflation, and changing financial needs.
Check back for program dates and registration information and start preparing for the retirement you want.
UAB RIFE - VITA Program
Free. IRS-certified. Confidential.
The UAB Regions Institute for Financial Education offers free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for individuals and families who meet IRS and program guidelines. Our IRS-certified volunteers can help prepare many common federal and state tax returns.
RIFE VITA Tax Clinic
UAB Collat School of Business
710 13th Street South, Room 153
Birmingham, AL 35233
Appointments are required. Email
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who may qualify for assistance?
Who may qualify for assistance?
VITA generally provides free tax preparation assistance to taxpayers with an annual income of $70,244 or less. Eligibility is based on IRS guidelines, and additional requirements may apply.
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What can VITA help prepare?
What can VITA help prepare?
Our IRS-certified volunteers can prepare many common tax returns, including returns involving:
- W-2 wages, salaries, and tips
- Interest and dividend income
- Retirement, pension, and Social Security income
- Unemployment benefits and state tax refunds
- Education credits
- Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit
- Premium Tax Credit
- Limited self-employment income
- Limited capital gains and losses
- Gambling income
- Health Savings Accounts
- Certain cancellation-of-debt income
- Limited prior-year and amended returns
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What are some tax situations VITA cannot help with?
What are some tax situations VITA cannot help with?
Some tax situations are outside the scope of our VITA program. These may include:
- Schedule C with a net business loss
- Returns requiring depreciation
- Business use of a home
- Complex capital gains and losses
- Certain children's unearned income situations
- Certain worker-status determination issues
- Certain complex Premium Tax Credit calculations
- Casualty or disaster losses
- Other tax situations outside the VITA program's scope
For a complete list of VITA services and limitations, please see IRS Publication 3676-B.
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Why choose RIFE VITA?
Why choose RIFE VITA?
- Free tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers
- IRS-certified tax preparers
- Quality review of every return before filing
- Careful handling of your private and confidential information
- Services available to UAB students, faculty, employees, and qualifying community members