Business students offer free tax prep

CSULB

College of Business students from California State University, Long Beach, are providing free virtual tax preparation assistance to families who make $58,000 or less, low-income students, the elderly, nonresidents and individuals with limited English proficiency. All volunteer students are certified by the IRS. The free service is part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic, an IRSsponsored program.

Last year, student-volunteers filed state and federal tax returns during virtual interviews that resulted in more than $700,000 in refunds. “VITA is win-win for our students and the community,” said Sudha Krishnan, faculty advisor for VITA. “The students get hands-on experience while also helping those in the community who often do not have the disposable income to pay for a professional tax preparer.” The VITA service is conducted through virtual walk-ins and appointments to ensure the safety of the community and student volunteers. For more information, visit

www.csulb.edu/college-of-business/ article/volunteer-incometax- assistance-vita-2022.

The service began Jan. 27 and will run through April 9. Appointments may be made Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (with the last reservation taken at 7 p.m.) and Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Special tax days will be held on two Saturdays, Feb. 12 and March 12, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Participants must have the following original documents:

•Government-issued photo ID or driver’s license.

•Original Social Security card or documents of individual taxpayer identification number.

•All W-2’s and 1099’s (if any)

•Other income and expense information

•Total tuition fees and expenses paid (form 1098-T)

• Total expenses paid for child’s daycare, if any.

• Daycare or dependent care provider’s address, phone and SSN or EIN.

• Bank account and routing number for direct deposit of refund. Last year’s tax return is helpful, but not required.

To file taxes electronically for a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. For more information, contact VITA coordinator Nguyet Ngo at vita.csulb@gmail.com or (562) 726-2331.