CSUB program to offer free tax preparation

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 [email protected] .