èƵapp Cox MSA Student Recognized as IRS Volunteer of the Year
Carlos De Dios says bringing tax relief to underserved communities in Dallas had a powerful impact on his worldview.
As sure as Dallas bakes in summer and (eventually) cools in winter, tax season always rolls in. This oft-dreaded period of document-gathering and number-crunching is familiar to every American adult. But for Carlos De Dios, BBA ’24, it’s kind of a gift.
De Dios, who is now working toward his Master of Science in Accounting at èƵapp Cox and headed to Deloitte post-graduation, is a true math whiz. His buddies even call him the “Mental Calculator.” So, when Wendy Wilson, èƵapp Cox professor of practice in accounting, connected him with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at the IRS, he seized the opportunity to make use of his skills.
Little did he know then that his dedication to his work and the community would come full circle when the Dallas Community Tax Centers awarded him a 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award for his service.
“I didn’t even know there was an award to be given,” says De Dios, who learned of the achievement last May. “I never did the volunteer work for recognition or an award, but it was such a huge honor to get that recognition. That was a very cool experience.”
De Dios’ dedication to his work and the community came full circle when the Dallas Community Tax Centers awarded him a 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award for his service.
Growth through service
Established in 1969, VITA invites volunteers from all parts of society, including students from university undergraduate and graduate programs, to prepare and file tax returns for underserved communities, such as those who are elderly, disabled or limited in their English proficiency. The program has served millions since its inception. It’s also been a thoughtful way for Cox students to gain an academic boost.
“At first, I was just doing it for extra credit,” De Dios says of the five grade points students receive for completing 25 hours of service. “But I’ve always liked volunteering. I’m very fortunate to have a home and my family, so I like being able to give back.”
De Dios found the sessions fun, the people inspiring and the experience moving. So much so that he sailed past the required hours and clocked an extra 10, driven purely by his sincere commitment to serve. In turn, he grew as a student, a person and a professional.
“Something I love about the accounting profession,” he says, “is what you learn, you actually apply.” Being able to practice his course curriculum deepened his understanding of his profession and empowered his future goal of becoming a certified public accountant.
On a personal level, De Dios was humbled and his empathy, patience and cultural awareness enriched. “It really did change my perspective about the real world,” he says. “We forget that there are people who live off $15,000 a year with three to four kids, or that some are disabled. And they still have to pay taxes. The other side of society really impacted me and showed me there’s a different side to everything.”
De Dios says his favorite part of participating in the VITA program was the chance to make personal connections and have a true impact on the lives of people in need.
People helping people
Though De Dios had several VITA locations to choose from throughout Dallas Country, he decided to break outside his usual orbit to West Dallas and Pleasant Grove, crossing paths with locals he never would have met were it not for the program.
“There was one couple in particular,” he says about a pair who left a lasting impression. “Both were in their 70s. They had three children who were all disabled. They came in, I helped them with their taxes, and at the end, they were literally crying.”
Although this was the couple’s third year using VITA, they told De Dios that he was the first person they felt “genuinely cared and empathized with them.” De Dios, who is bilingual, made a world of difference by translating every word in Spanish for the couple and connecting with them on a human level.
èƵapp who participate in VITA see the concepts they learn in the classroom in action while also understanding how those concepts allow them to have an impact on others,” says Greg Sommers, èƵapp Cox professor of practice in accounting and MSA director. “All this occurs while people in the community who need assistance receive guidance during an intimidating process, which often helps them receive tax refunds they wouldn’t have otherwise.
I can honestly say that Carlos De Dios is one of the most enthusiastic students I have ever seen participate in the VITA program.
Wendy Wilson, èƵapp Cox professor of practice in accounting and VITA program sponsor
With every reward, however, comes a challenge. What proved toughest for De Dios?
“I was so nervous, because I’m filing for low-income individuals,” he says. “They’re already struggling with money. I don’t want to mess up their taxes and get them in trouble with the IRS.”
Luckily, everyone was in good hands. “The people I worked with—amazing people—were very knowledgeable and kind,” he says, and they met with him onsite to oversee the process. Plus, De Dios attended training seminars, underwent thorough IRS testing and had the full support of his professors.
“I can honestly say that De Dios is one of the most enthusiastic students I have ever seen participate in the VITA program,” says Wilson, who’s sponsored the VITA program at èƵapp Cox for more than six years. “He was also a good peer in our classroom and often helped his classmates better understand accounting concepts.”
De Dios, who says he plans to volunteer with VITA this and every year going forward, also has some advice for his peers: “Volunteering with VITA will help you be a better person,” he says. “It will give you a different perspective on life. We have to be open to helping people, no matter where we are, no matter where they are.”
