Accounting majors at Cal State Long Beach will offer free income tax preparation, electronic filing of federal and state returns to students and members of the community, CSULB announced Thursday.
Available on campus through March 23, the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program assists those who can’t afford or do not have access to paid preparers, particularly low-income, handicapped, elderly and limited-English-proficient individuals, according to the release.
Last year, VITA assisted over 1,400 taxpayers receive more than a total of $834,000 in federal and state refunds.
The program also gives its student volunteers experience in accounting and is funded through the campus’ Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Society as part of a cooperative effort with the Internal Revenue Service.
“This year, about 65 accounting volunteers trained and certified by the IRS are offering assistance,” Adrian Torres, student VITA coordinator, said in a statement. “We are eager to meet with clients in hopes of getting to know their community and to provide a great service to each of them.”
The VITA program is available to qualifying taxpayers with an annual income level of $54,000 or less and who do not itemize deductions such as medical expenses, charitable donations and mortgage interest payments.
The VITA program operates out of Room 237 on the second floor of the College of Business Administration Building off Bellflower Boulevard. Volunteers will prepare returns from 8:00AM to 5:00PM Mondays through Thursdays and 9:00AM to 3:00PM on Fridays. It is walk-in only.
For more information on required documentation and parking, please visit the Beta Alpha Psi website here.