MEDIA RELEASE

CSUN Students Offer Free Tax Assistance to Those Who Qualify

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Feb. 28, 2008) — Low-income individuals and families who need help preparing their state and federal income tax forms can receive free help from the Wayne and Roberta Colmer Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Cal State Northridge.

The program runs through April 5 at 14 locations throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.

VITA coordinator Donna Watkins-Bradbury said the program has been a vital part of the community since 1971, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars.

"Last year alone, we saved the community more than $160,000 in tax preparation fees," she said. "This year we plan to increase that amount. The students participating in VITA are hard working and dedicated to preparing taxes for our community."

More than 100 CSUN students have undergone intensive training in most basic problems taxpayers confront from certified public accounts and Northridge alumni at a variety of Southland accounting firms and businesses. The students are thoroughly versed in this year’s new tax laws, are equipped to complete basic tax forms and have back-up support from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, who serve as advisors at some of the VITA centers.

The free tax preparation assistance is available to low-income families and individuals, the disabled and seniors with a maximum gross annual income of $50,000. Married couples filing joint returns must have both spouses present when tax returns are being prepared. Special assistance is available for senior citizens as well as for non-English speakers.

For more information about center dates, times and locations, visit the VITA Web site at www.csun.edu/vita/ or call (818) 677-4519.

Taxpayers are advised to arrive early and with all necessary tax forms, including: W-2 forms, interest and dividend statements, education and mortgage statements (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1098-E, 1098), receipts and records for deductions and donations, a copy of last year’s tax returns and any other related materials.

VITA volunteers are also able to prepare 1099 MISC forms for those taxpayers whose expenses were under $5,000. Electronic tax-filing services are available.

The VITA program began in 1966 with a Congressional appropriation. Cal State Northridge was the first university to institute the VITA program in 1971. Since then, Northridge has assisted colleges across the nation in establishing their own VITA programs. CSUN maintains one of the largest and most successful VITA programs in the nation.