VITA PROGRAM INFORMATION

FREE  Virtual Tax Help  

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to provide free basic federal and state tax return preparation for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. 

Student volunteers at VITA at CSU, East Bay, supervised by faculty in the Department of Accounting and Finance, have gone through extensive training and have passed the IRS volunteer examinations: Basic, Advanced, and Foreign Students.

These student volunteers assist taxpayers in preparing their return via Zoom from anywhere they have access to technology and an Internet connection (the Facilitated Self Assistance, FSA, Remote).

Email vita@csueastbay.edu for questions.

 

VITA is currently inactive until the next tax season begins. 

  • Adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less.
  • 2023 returns do not involve with the following:
    • Schedule C with losses.
    • Complicated and advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses).
    • Form SS-5 (request for Social Security number).
    • Form SS-8 (determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding).
    • Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA).
    • Form 8615 (minor’s investment income).
    • Taxpayers who will be electing “Married Filing Separate” status.
    • More information about in-scope and out of scope can be found here.

Taxpayers are encouraged to view the following Intake/Interview and Quality Review Sheet before the appointment: (no need to fill out)

To prepare your tax returns properly, please have the following items readily available when you Zoom meet with us:

  • Social security numbers (or ITINs) and birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents
  • Wage and earnings statements (e.g. W-2, 1099-R, etc.) from all employers and unemployment compensation statement (1099-G)
  • Interest and dividend statements from financial institutions (1099 forms)
  • College tuition statement (1098-T) and receipts for education-related expenses
  • Statements related to mortgages interest and property tax
  • Receipts for charitable donations
  • Payments to daycare providers with the provider’s tax identification number
  • If you are self-employed or a small business owner, summary of your business expenses
  • A copy of your last year’s federal and state returns (not necessary, but helpful)
  • Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit of your refund