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Campus: CSU Northridge -- March 06, 2002
CSU Northridge Provides Free Tax Help Available to Low Income People
With April 15 fast approaching, Cal State Northridge students would
like to remind people that they are available to provide free tax preparation
assistance to low-income families and individuals.
Each year, more than 250 CSUN students go through an intensive training
program as part of the university's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Low
Income Tax Clinic (VITA/LITC).
The students received thorough training in general tax law, the basic
problems most taxpayers confront and in tax return preparation. VITA/LITC
supervisors take a more advanced course that includes an update on new
tax laws. In addition, IRS agents serve as advisors at some VITA/LITC
centers, reviewing forms before they are returned to taxpayers.
These services are available to people who cannot afford professional
tax help. Due to the large demand for tax assistance, eligibility is limited
to those with a gross annual income of not more than $45,000.
There are 12 VITA/LITC centers operating in the San Fernando Valley and
greater Los Angeles area. Specialized services are provided for senior
citizens, non-English speaking individuals and individuals with disabilities.
For more information or center locations, call (818) 677-4519.
The VITA/LITC program began in 1966 with a Congressional appropriation.
In 1971, CSUN was the first university to institute the VITA/LITC program.
Since then, CSUN has assisted colleges across the country in establishing
their own programs.
CSUN now maintains one of the largest, most successful programs in the
nation. Last year, CSUN students prepared more than 16,000 state and federal
tax returns. |