CSUB program to offer free tax preparation

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance available starting in February

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 22^nd, 2026

Filing taxes can be stressful and confusing, but a free program at California State University, Bakersfield will help Kern County residents navigate their returns starting next month.

CSUB accounting students certified by the Internal Revenue Service will be available on Saturdays from Feb. 7 through March 28 to help prepare income tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The program helps individuals and families with low incomes complete and file their tax returns. Those who have an annual income of up to $70,000 are eligible to receive the free assistance, as well as people with disabilities and taxpayers with limited English proficiency.

“We are excited to continue to provide free tax preparation to the general public as well as CSUB students and employees. VITA helps people in our community save not only their tax return fees but ease the stress of tax filing,” said Dr. Benjamin Bae, accounting professor and site coordinator for the VITA program on campus. “Our student volunteers are excited for the opportunity to serve our community, to learn tax service skills and to gain real-world experience.”

The VITA program can save taxpayers anywhere from $50 to $500, the usual fee for professional tax preparation, according to Dr. Bae.

The program will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday in February and March in the Business Development Center. Those interested in receiving services must make an appointment by calling 661-654-3356. English and Spanish appointments are currently being accepted.

Preparation of returns typically takes up to 90 minutes to complete. All taxpayers must be available to sign their returns. The program does not prepare Schedule C business forms or Schedule E rental forms.

For more information about the VITA program, visit csub.edu/vita or contact Dr. Bae at 661-654-2140 or by email at bbae@csub.edu.

What to bring

Proof of identification (photo ID).
Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number.
Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return.
Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers.
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received.
A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check.
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number.
Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements.
Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.