Community-Focused Tax Help, For Free.
TerpTax is a student-run, non-profit organization dedicated to providing free and reliable tax preparation services to the community.
Our Values
Community
We are dedicated to serving and strengthening our local community.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality.
Education
We empower clients through financial literacy and tax knowledge.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and families in our community by providing accessible, high-quality, and free tax preparation services. We are committed to alleviating the financial burden of tax season and educating the public on financial literacy.
Our History
Our Founding (2015)
Samuel Handwerger saw a gap between thousands of working families, students, and seniors overpaying for tax preparation or skipping them entirely and business students learning tax law but never actually touching a real return. From there spurred the idea of TerpTax.
Our Founding (2015)
Samuel Handwerger saw a gap between thousands of working families, students, and seniors overpaying for tax preparation or skipping them entirely and business students learning tax law but never actually touching a real return. From there spurred the idea of TerpTax.
A Pilot Program (2015)
The first season, TerpTax was a pilot program, six volunteers, a borrowed room, and a stack of IRS training manuals. The team prepared roughly 60 returns.
A Pilot Program (2015)
The first season, TerpTax was a pilot program, six volunteers, a borrowed room, and a stack of IRS training manuals. The team prepared roughly 60 returns.
Significant Milestone (2020)
TerpTax incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and earned IRS tax-exempt certification.
Significant Milestone (2020)
TerpTax incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and earned IRS tax-exempt certification.
1,800+ Returns Prepared (2025)
In the 2025 filing season, more than 100 trained student volunteers prepared over 1,800 federal and state returns, generating millions of dollars in refunds for families and individuals who needed them most.
1,800+ Returns Prepared (2025)
In the 2025 filing season, more than 100 trained student volunteers prepared over 1,800 federal and state returns, generating millions of dollars in refunds for families and individuals who needed them most.
Meet the Team
Our dedicated team of student volunteers and faculty advisors.
Samuel Handwerger
CPA, Faculty Advisor, Founder
John Smith
Volunteer Coordinator
Michael Chen
Faculty Advisor
Sarah Lee
Lead Tax Preparer
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you need help with your taxes or want to join our mission, we're here for you.