The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. The program was originally founded 1971 by Gary Iskowitz at California State University Northridge. The concept was to provide local taxpayers with free tax return preparation by accounting students, in effort to provide both a valuable community service and a powerful hands-ons learning experience for the accounting students. The program grew from a small group of dedicated accounting students to what is now a nation wide program that serves thousands of taxpayers and provides a valuable learning experience for accounting students. The founder, Gary Iskowitz (now a prominent CPA, and former IRS agent), recently was commended on the 40th anniversary of the program.

Every year, beginning in December and continuing until mid-January, certified student volunteers receive training from the IRS to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Clients are not charged fees for this service. VITA sites generally assist people who have income below $49,000 or are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit

Earned income tax credit

The United States federal earned income tax credit or earned income credit is a refundable tax credit primarily for individuals and families who have low to moderate earned income. Greater tax credit is given to those who also have qualifying children...

s or other low income tax benefits. Taxpayers hoping to find the nearest VITA location can call 1-800-829-1040.

External links

• Toward Inclusion: Maximizing the Civic Potential of VITA, Niko Karvounis, Roosevelt Institution, 2006
• Koreatown Youth and Community Center
• Neighborhood Tax Centers VITA Program
• VITA at UCLA - Free Tax Preparation in West Los Angeles