With April 15 just around the corner, the students who make up Cal State Northridges Wayne and Robert Colmer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program want to remind the public that they are available to help members of the community prepare their taxes.
The VITA program is providing free assistance with state and federal income tax preparation to low-income families and individuals, non-English speakers, senior citizens and the disabled through April at sites throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.
Our last day is April 1, so everyone really needs to get to one of our sites soon if they want us to do their taxes for free, said Donna Watkins, a certified public accountant and coordinator of CSUNs VITA program.
For a list of CSUN VITA locations and the dates and times students will be able to provide tax preparation assistance, visit VITAs Web site at www.csun.edu/vita.
Due to the large volume of individuals who require assistance, the maximum gross income limitation per income tax return has been set at $50,000.
This year, 265 Northridge students underwent intensive training on handling federal and state tax returns. In addition to providing a service to the community, the VITA program also gives the Northridge students an opportunity gain knowledge and experience in their field of study.
Formed in 1971, the VITA program serves as a valuable community partner that is responsive to the need to a culturally diverse San Fernando Valley. For more information about the program, call (818) 677-4519.