Volunteers Provide Free
Income Tax Service at UCSD

Taxpayers must meet certain requirements

January 30, 2008

By Jan Jennings

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at the University of California, San Diego is offering free, confidential income tax return preparation for UCSD students, staff and members of the public who qualify for the service. VITA will begin taking appointments Feb. 12.

“To qualify, an individual must make less than $40,000 and meet certain other income requirements,” says Jessica St. Clair, legal education coordinator for UCSD Student Legal Services. “Interested persons may find out if they qualify by calling (858) 822-2414.”

Tax preparation will be available on Saturdays between Feb. 23 and April 12 and appointments will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis for those who qualify.

“For those who do not qualify or do not wish to make an appointment, free IRS and California Franchise Tax Board publications are available in Student Legal Services on campus for taxpayers seeking additional resources,” says St. Clair.

The VITA program is a collaboration between the Internal Revenue Service, California Franchise Tax Board, UCSD Student Legal Services, and UCSD Student Educational Advancement. Student Legal Services, a program within Student Affairs, administers the free tax services.

St. Clair says that VITA staff and student volunteers began an intensive training course on basic tax law in October. Upon its completion in February they must pass the IRS Qualifying Exam to authorize them to prepare federal and California state income tax returns by electronic file (e-file).

“Members of the UCSD and San Diego community benefit from this program by saving the cost of tax preparation fees,” St. Clair says. “Also, many taxpayers are unaware of the credits for which they may be eligible and acquire knowledge of tax principles that may assist them in the future.

“The program is a win-win for student volunteers as well, who have the opportunity to develop skills that can be applied in a variety of professional settings. They gain from their commitment to the program by interacting with taxpayers from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.”

Of her experience the past two years with VITA, returning volunteer Sandee Orozco says, “I think that services like ours really benefit those that are underserved, which is ultimately my goal, to help people in underserved low-income communities.”

To learn more about the VITA program, to check eligibility for the free tax return preparation service, and to make an appointment, call (858) 822-2414 beginning Feb. 12.

Media Contact: Jan Jennings, 858-822-1684