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Chico State
Chico State

CSU, Chico Students Offer Free Tax-Preparation Services on Campus and in the Community

Sean Murphy
A student assists two older adults with their taxes
Jason Halley / University Photographer

VITA Site Coordinator Cheyne Thompson (center) helps Jim Renlunt (left) and Inez Francis (right) with their tax forms at the Chico Area Recreation Center on Monday, March 7, 2016 in Chico, Calif. The Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals, has once again partnered with the International Revenue Service to provide free tax-preparation services. (Jason Halley/University Photographer)

With tax season underway, California State University, Chico will once again provide free tax-preparation services for those who qualify. This is the seventh year the students have offered the service, in which CSU, Chico students will prepare and electronically file the returns for free in conjunction with the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Beginning Monday, Feb. 5, CSU, Chico’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals, will offer free tax-preparation services thanks to a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service.

The free service is eligible for those who earned $60,000 or less in 2017.

VITA director Jeri Cassady noted that 63 VITA volunteers had another record-breaking year last year for their community service endeavor, preparing federal and state tax returns for 917 people, putting more than $1.25 million back into their pockets.

Those interested in the service are urged to bring:

  • A copy of their 2017 tax return
  • Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number cards for the entire family
  • Photo identification
  • Wages and earnings statements (including W-2, 1099 and 1098 forms)
  • Documentation for deductions and credits
  • Child care documentation, including provider identification number and amount paid
  • A voided check for direct deposit of refund

Tax-preparation services will be available at the following dates, time and locations until April 4:

Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) Community Center, 545 Vallombrosa Ave., Chico
Mondays, noon to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays, noon to 4 p.m.

Bell Memorial Union, CSU, Chico
Mondays, 4 to 8 p.m.
Wednesdays, 4 to 8 p.m.

Dorothy F. Johnson Center, 775 E. 16th St., Chico
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tax-preparation services at all locations will be closed March 17-24 due to spring break.

VITA trains volunteers to provide tax-preparation services. Any student can volunteer with VITA, and all volunteers must pass tax exams at several levels, including Standards of Conduct, Intake/Quality Review and Advanced Tax exams.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email the student organization at csuc.bap.vita@gmail.com. Information on additional VITA sites and times is available at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or by calling 530-988-8482.

Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi has over 300 chapters on college and university campuses. The organization promotes the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; provides opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals; and encourages a sense of ethical, social and public responsibility.

Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy (English, ’97) is the Media Relations Coordinator at Chico State. When he's not writing press releases and pitching story ideas to the media or fielding media inquiries, he's writing about human interest stories, sports, the outdoors and the remarkable students, staff and faculty at Chico State.