Before you know it, April 15 will be here and federal and state income tax returns will be due.
To help relieve the stress many are feeling at this time of year, Cal State Northridge University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Clinic in the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is offering free tax preparation assistance to low-income families and individuals, including non-English speakers, people with disabilities, the elderly and veterans through April 15.
More than 300 trained CSUN students are ready with their calculators to tally up your tax debt, or if you’re lucky, a tax refund.
One of the tax preparers is Roman Laus, a junior studying financial planning at CSUN who started volunteering this January.
“I just wanted to help the community and learn more about taxes,” Laus said. “It looks good on my resume.” He volunteers six hours a week. “My experience has been amazing. I have met and helped a lot of people. Most of them are joyful about getting their taxes done, especially for free. I feel a sense of gratitude.”
The free service is staffed by IRS-certified CSUN students and is available at Cal State Northridge and more than a dozen satellite locations throughout Los Angeles County. They include Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Library, Grandview Library in Glendale, the nonprofit Inclusive Action for the City in Boyle Heights, Mid Valley Regional Public Library in North Hills, Las Palmas Park and San Fernando Public Library both in San Fernando, Pacoima Public Library, Panorama Public Library, Sun Valley Public Library and Valley Plaza Branch Library in North Hollywood.
Vincent Vazira, a senior studying theater with a minor in musical theater and dance, is employed on campus and also in the fast-food industry.
He took advantage of the free tax service once again.
“It made having to do it so much easier,” Vazira said.
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He tried to prepare his own taxes online a few years ago and became concerned he might not enter the proper information and find himself in hot water.
“So, I just gave up,” he said. “And a week later I discovered this and I was like, ‘Oh my god’ let me try it out. It was so much easier. I just brought all my documents and they did the work for me. This is an easy way to do this thing that everyone does every year.”
The program has been in operation for 53 years and this year’s goal is to serve at least 8,500 low-income taxpayers in Los Angeles County.
It has helped taxpayers claim nearly $8 million in tax refunds and $2.8 million in federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits, saving them over $1.9 million in tax preparation fees.
What you need to know
– Make an appointment to speed the process, but walk-ins are accepted.
– To make an appointment call (818) 677-3600.
– The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday.
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