CSULB business students offer free tax prep services
Last year, the IRS-certified volunteers got more than $1.2 million in refunds for over 1,500 clients, according to the university.
Students from the Cal State Long Beach College of Business are providing free tax preparation assistance through April 9, the university announced this month.
The free service is part of the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program and is open to families making $67,000 or less, low-income students, elderly, non-residents and people with limited English proficiency. All students are certified by the IRS.
"VITA benefits both our business students and the local community,” Professor Sudha Krishnan, faculty advisor for the program, said in a statement. “The students get hands-on experience while also helping those in the community who may not have the disposable income to pay for a professional tax preparer.”
Last year, the student volunteers filed state and federal tax returns for over 1,500 clients, which resulted in more than $1.2 million in refunds, according to the university.
The program offers face-to-face, drop-offs, walk-ins and virtual (via Zoom) services. An appointment is recommended but not required, except for virtual services. Walk-in clients and those dropping off documents should go to room 243 in the College of Business Building near the parking structure adjacent to Lot G6 and the Walter Pyramid off Atherton Street.
Services are offered Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the university. Saturday hours on March 8 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. are also available.
No services are offered during spring break (March 31 through April 6), the university added.
“With 50 years of trusted service, CSULB has become a cornerstone of support for students, faculty, and the surrounding community,” the university website reads. “Many of our clients have been filing with us for years, trusting our expertise year after year.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, click here.
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