For Taxpayers
The CSUN VITA Clinic offers free tax preparation services to people with household annual income of $64,000 or less.
Serving the public since 1970, CSUN VITA Clinic is a cost-free income tax assistance service to low-income residents in the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Our goal is to provide outstanding free tax preparation service to low-income taxpayers in our community and to provide our students with a quality experiential learning experience in the field of taxation. We are open in 15 locations across the San Fernando Valley.
Watch the videos below on how The Vita Clinic can work for you
A Better Way to Do Your Taxes
Discover how the CSUN VITA Clinic offers a streamlined, cost-free tax preparation experience for low-income residents. Our trained student volunteers are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum refund possible, all while gaining invaluable real-world experience. Join us in making tax season stress-free and beneficial for our community.
Applying for an ITIN: Step-by-Step Guidance
Need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)? The CSUN VITA Clinic provides comprehensive assistance to help you navigate the application process with ease. Our knowledgeable volunteers are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have access to the tax services you need.
Empowering Your Financial Future with Coaching Services
Beyond tax preparation, the CSUN VITA Clinic offers personalized financial coaching to help you achieve your financial goals. Our dedicated team works with you to create a tailored plan, providing the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term financial success. Take control of your finances today.
Un Excelente Servicio Gratuito: Asistencia Fiscal en Español
La Clínica VITA de CSUN se enorgullece de ofrecer servicios gratuitos de preparación de impuestos para la comunidad de habla hispana. Nuestros voluntarios capacitados brindan asistencia en español, asegurando que reciba el apoyo necesario para cumplir con sus obligaciones fiscales de manera efectiva y sin costo alguno.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CSUN VITA Clinic is now taking appointments for tax preparation.
Our trained student volunteers are available six days a week during the tax season. The CSUN campus is our main site, which operates Monday through Friday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. On Saturdays, the CSUN VITA Clinic is open for service at multiple remote sites in the community including Pacoima, North Hills, Canoga Park, Van Nuys, Panorama City, City of San Fernando, Sun Valley, North Hollywood, Granada Hills, and Glendale. We also have several dedicated sites serving veterans.
Below please find our site along with their opening hours:
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Facility |
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) - Main Campus |
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Address |
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330, Bookstein Hall Room 1111 |
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Hours of Operation |
Monday through Friday by appointment only. |
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Directions |
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During the off Season
Appointments are required. If you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, please call us at (818) 677-3600 to schedule an appointment.
During the Tax Season
We invite you to make an appointment for the time and location that best works for your schedule. While appointments are highly recommended, they are not required. You are welcome to stop by your desired location at a time that is convenient for you. However, priority will be given to those that make an appointment. If you show up without an appointment, we will do our best to serve you that day.
Once you choose a site for your tax return preparation services, you will receive an email confirmation. Please bring your email confirmation with you to your appointment. Please be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time. When you arrive, you will be asked to complete an intake form and show us that you have the required documents for completing your return.
To expedite the processing of your return, we highly recommend that you complete the intake form prior to your arrival. A copy of the intake form can be found in the links below:
In English: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf
En Español: http://www.uwest.edu/vita/forms/form_spanish.pdf
Typically, appointments are expected to last for about 60 minutes. However, some tax returns may involve more complicated issues and require additional time.
At the conclusion of your tax preparation session, we will electronically submit your tax return (both federal and state) and provide you with a copy. We will then return all documents to you.
We ask that you complete a satisfaction survey at the conclusion of the session.
A list of the required documents is provided below.
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For married filing joint, both spouses must be present |
Proof of identification for yourself and/or your spouse |
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All Forms W-2 and 1099, 1098 |
Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number |
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Information for other income |
Birth dates for you, spouse and/or dependents on the return |
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Information for all deductions/credits |
Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification notices/cards for you, your spouse, and/or dependents |
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A copy of last year’s tax return, if available. |
Forms 1095-A, B or C (Affordable Health Care Statements) |
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Savings or checking account and routing numbers for direct deposit |
For prior year or returns, copies of income transcripts from IRS (and state, if applicable) |
Please note that we are unable to complete certain tax returns. For example, regrettably we are unable to serve taxpayers with:
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Complicated capital gains and losses,
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Minor’s investment income,
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Cancellation of debt,
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Request for Social Security Number,
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Determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding,
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Non-deductible IRA,
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Small business owners with losses,
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Rental income
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Business use of home
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Cost of goods sold, and
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married taxpayers filing separate returns.
Additionally, we can not prepare returns for Foreign students with Visas other than F, J, M, and Q; and individuals that have not lived in the U.S. for more than 1/2 a year. Finally, we provide service to active members of the military only in one of our dedicated veteran sites.
Parking is free at all of our remote sites. While there is free two-hour street parking at the CSUN Campus site, there is a parking fee at the CSUN’s parking structure.
Parking fees:
- 1hr = $3.30
- 2hr = $6.05
- 4hrs = $8.25
- All Day = $10.45
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (818) 677-3600 or email us at VITA@csun.edu.
The volunteer staff at the CSUN VITA Clinic is looking forward to meeting you soon!