Shaka Dixon
The Pierce College Business Administration Department, in conjunction with the California Franchise Tax Board and the Internal Revenue Service, is offering free, bi-weekly income tax assistance now through April 8.
“The students would do the basic tax return. If they’re too complicated they may not be able to handle it. Generally speaking, they just do the basic tax return,” said Pierce Business Administration Professor Charlie Su.
The assistance is provided on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and noon and on Wednesdays between 6:45 and 9 p.m. in Room 3218 of the Pierce Business Education Building. Gross incomes in excess of $40,000, generally, render tax payers ineligible.
Patrons must furnish a photo identification, a social security or individual taxpayer identification number cards, documents indicating relevant incomes and expenses, and, if possible, the previous years tax return.
This includes forms such as W-2s, and 1099s. Information on dependents, such as social security numbers and birthdates, must also be provided. Both spouses must be present if a married couple wishes to file jointly.
The service features Business 10 students who have, under the tutelage of Su, undergone a rigorous IRS-sanctioned accreditation process.
Under the auspices of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, students will spend either their Friday mornings or Wednesday nights preparing, or assisting in the preparation of tax returns.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, is an IRS led effort – in partnership with various localities- to broaden the accessibility of income tax assistance.
Jerry Brown is emblematic of many serviced by the program. Disappointed by other venues, he found solace in a free, reputable program that he now ritually attends.
“I went to one place and it asked me for $30. That was just a check cashing place. They wanted $15 for single and $30 for married couples. I’d rather come here,” said Gillespie who is ritually in attendance.
Student-completed tax forms are subject to the review of professor Su, California Franchise Tax Board or IRS officials or a team of qualified alumni and volunteers enlisted by Pierce’s business administration department.
Those who attend and qualify for the program are privy to E-file, or electronic filing, which expedites the handling of completed returns.
Ascertain the availability of bilingual support before attending. Its availability may fluctuate from session to session.
Questions about the program can be directed to Business Administration Department Chair David Braun at (818) 719-6479.
A diverse confederation of organizations, including business, non-governmental organizations and universities, is enabling over 15 VITA programs to operate within the area.
Access the California Franchise Tax Board’s website at, http://www.ftb.ca.gov/, to discover these location’s dates and times of operation.
Professor Su describes the program as a convergence of interest. Pierce performs is able to provide a valuable outreach program while enriching its students.
The California Franchise Tax Board and the IRS are ensuring taxes, from the targeted populations, are accurately completed.
“The whole program, the whole idea is for seniors and low-income taxpayers. The government thinks that these two types of people have difficulty in paying some person like me.” Said Su.
That is the reason why they created this program. It is to help those low income taxpayers and senior citizens. They don’t want to receive bad tax returns.”