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we will try our best to get back to you within 24-48 hours.
frequently Asked Questions
How are your student interns qualified for providing tax filing services?
We require all Students in VITA interns to become IRS certified in tax law. All volunteers in our program have completed training on how to correctly handle sensitive financial information. In addition, the VITA Program implements a quality review process to make sure that everything is reviewed by experienced IRS volunteers. Since our inception in 2012, we have helped our clients regain over $500,000 in tax refunds, and in 2015, we were awarded the Partner of the Year Award by the IRS.
We require all Students in VITA interns to become IRS certified in tax law. All volunteers in our program have completed training on how to correctly handle sensitive financial information. In addition, the VITA Program implements a quality review process to make sure that everything is reviewed by experienced IRS volunteers. Since our inception in 2012, we have helped our clients regain over $500,000 in tax refunds, and in 2015, we were awarded the Partner of the Year Award by the IRS.
Do I need to pay for your services?
VITA is a nonprofit organization aiming to help low-income households by providing free tax preparation services. No payment is required at any VITA tax site. If you would like to support our program, please refer to the Donation page.
What do I bring to tax sites?
- Social Security/ITIN Card for each individual on your tax return
- Government-issued photo ID or passport
- All tax forms received over the course of the year (e.g. W-2, 1098-T, 1095-A, 1099-DIV, etc)
- Bringing a copy of your prior year tax return is also highly suggested
Do i need to make an appointment to receive assistance?
Do to our in-person tax sites being shifted to virtual tax filing, we will no longer accept appointment bookings and walk-ins. More information on how to register for our free tax filing service will be announced until further notice.
What if i can't make it to my appointment?
No worries! Shoot us an email to let us know that you are unable to make your appointment and we will go ahead and cancel your booking. By letting us know beforehand, we are able to open up the spot for other clients.
When are your tax sites?
We have tax sites on Friday and Saturday from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. Due to our program shifting to a virtual tax-site, our dates and times may change until further notice.
We will operate our tax sites beginning on January 29th until April 3rd. Tax sites will not operate from March 8th to March 28th due to academic holidays.
We will operate our tax sites beginning on January 29th until April 3rd. Tax sites will not operate from March 8th to March 28th due to academic holidays.
WHERE are your tax sites?
Our tax filing services have shifted to virtual tax sites. More information on VITA tax filing services will be updated until further notice.
WE WILL NO LONGER BE HOLDING IN-PERSON TAXSITES DUE TO COVID-19.
WE WILL NO LONGER BE HOLDING IN-PERSON TAXSITES DUE TO COVID-19.
Can I file tax returns for previous years?
Yes. Prior year returns for 2018 and 2019 can be filed. You can bring your tax forms of the tax year you want to file. However, we are unable to provide tax filing service for tax years prior to 2018 since our volunteers are not certified to prepare returns for those tax years.
How soon will I receive my refund after filing my return?
Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks if you choose to receive your refund via direct deposit and 4-6 weeks via check. Due to the IRS tax return processing time, the estimated time frame may vary. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS Website at https://www.irs.gov/Refunds. If you e-filed your return, you can check your federal refund status at here and your CA refund status here.
when do i need to file a tax return?
Typically you will need to file your tax return by April 15.
Can I claim my roommate as a dependent?
In general, a taxpayer cannot claim an unrelated roommate as a dependent. To claim an individual as a dependent, the following conditions must apply:
- Taxpayer cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.
- Taxpayer provided over 50% of the dependent’s living expenses, including room and board.
- Taxpayer lived with dependent for the entire tax year.
I am a F-1/J-1 international student. Can I file my taxes with Students in VITA?
In general, students with F or J visas are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes. Unfortunately, we are unable to file foreign returns for nonresident aliens. Please refer to a paid tax professional for assistance.
If i am claimED as a dependent under someone else return and I received w-2 for the tax year, do i still need to file a return?
Yes, if you received W-2s then you are obligated to file a return. Be sure to mark it on your return, stating that you are being claim under someone else's return.
