CSUB to offer free tax preparation services

Assistance available starting Feb. 3 for students, faculty, staff and community

By California State University, Bakersfield

January 25^th, 2023

California State University, Bakersfield will be offering free tax preparation services to students, faculty, staff and the broader community starting next month.

Starting Feb. 3 and 4, trained accounting student volunteers who have passed Internal Revenue Service certification tests will be available to prepare income tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

CSUB’s Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs — as well as the School of Business and Public Administration — support the VITA program, which aims to help individuals and families with low incomes to receive the help they need to complete their tax returns.

“These free tax preparations provide not only any community members but also students, staff and faculty with complete tax returns in a timely fashion, enabling them to receive proper tax credits and refunds. I am very proud of our students’ excellent and dedicated services," said Dr. Byoung (Benjamin) Bae, director and site coordinator of the VITA program.

The program is especially critical in helping people with low incomes file their taxes, according to Dr. Bae.

“Without this free service, many low-income families would not have their taxes done due to the up-front expense of hiring an accountant or tax professional,” he said.

The program will be available every Friday and Saturday through April 8 in Business Development Center Room 264 from 5:30-8 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Those interested in receiving services are encouraged to call 661-654-3356 to make an appointment.

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 VITA

• 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.