CSUB students to provide free tax preparation

VITA program expands eligibility; available starting in February

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 17^th, 2024

California State University, Bakersfield students will be providing free tax preparation services to students, employees and members of the community starting next month.

Accounting student volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service will be available on Saturdays from Feb. 3 through April 6 to prepare income tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The program aims to help individuals and families with low incomes to receive the help they need to complete their tax returns. However, VITA is raising the income threshold this year to $70,000, so individuals who have an annual income of up to $70,000 will be eligible to receive the free assistance.

“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, professor and site coordinator for VITA. “Our accounting students are excited for the opportunity to serve our community, to learn preparation of tax returns and to gain real-world experience.”

VITA saves 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 3:30 p.m. every Saturday starting next month 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 90 minutes. 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 to your VITA appointment

• 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.