CSUN VITA at LA public Library
Prior to the pandemic, CSUN VITA Clinic offered tax preparation at several library locations to help low-income taxpayers prepare their returns in the familiarity of their own neighborhoods. By providing tax preparation at local public libraries, the CSUN VITA Clinic aimed to relieve some of the financial burden associated with tax season.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions precluded CSUN from offering VITA Clinic services at public library sites for two years. But thankfully, the post-pandemic era means that VITA Clinic services are now back at select libraries across the San Fernando Valley thanks to the generous support from First Citizens Bank. “"First Citizens Bank’s bold investment in the CSUN VITA Clinic has enabled the CSUN VITA Clinic to return to the public libraries in our community where so many taxpayers feel comfortable accessing our free tax preparation services.” Said Rafael Efrat, the Director of the CSUN VITA Clinic. “It allows our student volunteers to serve low-income people to get help with their tax returns close to where they work and live.”
Caroline Zakarian, a librarian with CSUN's Office of Civics and Community Services Engagement and Learning Division, has helped coordinate tax preparation assistance at each local library site. She personally makes contact with each site to coordinate CSUN student tax preparers, hours of operation, and other logistics.
“It’s no doubt that the biggest help people get with our services is their tax returns filed for free, but another important part about the VITA program is the information we’re able to give clients,” Zakarian said. “Many families that come into our clinics don’t know about the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit they can receive on their returns. They’re very appreciative of our services.”
Joseph Perez, a lead supervisor at the Panorama City Public Library VITA Clinic site, expressed how grateful clients are when they file their returns.
“We had a client come in who had just filed her taxes,” Perez said. “She smiled and left and then the next day she brought in a dozen donuts for our site. That showed me personally just how grateful the community is to receive the services we provide.”
Perez, now in his 4th year at CSUN majoring in financial analysis, said he credits VITA for all the experience he has gained professionally.
In addition to free tax preparation, CSUN's public library VITA Clinic sites also offer financial coaching classes to local taxpayers. This allows taxpayers to sit down with a student financial coach who helps them organize their finances, whether that means tackling credit card debt, gaining advice about savings, or gathering general financial tips.
“Though COVID-19 slowed us down a bit, the community seems rejuvenated and glad that we can offer our in-person tax services again," Zakarian said. CSUN VITA is a powerhouse in the community.”