Dean Chandra Subramaniam,
California State University, Northridge
As I reflect on VITA Clinic’s accomplishments this year, I am struck by the resilient attitude and commitment of the clinic’s student volunteers, faculty leaders and supporters to meet the needs of our community and low-income taxpayers—despite facing myriad challenges in 2023.
This dedicated group of individuals successfully met each obstacle — and there were many this year — with unwavering leadership and innovative solutions.
Perhaps the most challenging roadblock was addressing an unexpected six-month tax season extension for those impacted by the winter storms. This meant the VITA Clinic leadership had to secure additional funding and volunteers while also managing new logistics to keep the clinic’s doors open.
I am proud to report that the VITA Clinic and its services remained available to low-income taxpayers in our community and beyond. Here’s a quick snapshot of the clinic’s impact this year:
- Provided world-class tax preparation and financial coaching to 8,500 low-income taxpayers at 14 locations in Los Angeles County
- Trained more than 250 tax and accounting students who volunteered 31,810 hours under the expert leadership of CSUN Nazarian faculty
- Helped taxpayers claim more than $7.9 million in federal and state tax refunds and more than $2.8 million in federal and state earned income tax credits
- Saved taxpayers more than $1.9 million in tax preparation fees
- Recognized by the IRS as the largest provider of VITA services in the country due to the volume of service
VITA Clinic’s tax preparation services to low-income taxpayers are among several services provided to the community by Nazarian College, and this is only possible because of our volunteers and donors. Their support and assistance allow us to serve the community and provide individuals with financial knowledge for a lifetime.
In addition to our wonderful and energetic CSUN student volunteers, I want to thank our generous donors and sponsors for their support including Harriet and Harvey Bookstein, CIT, City National Bank, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Department of Treasury, and the California Department of Community Services and Development. I am also grateful to Wells Fargo Bank for its two-year investment in our CSUN VITA Clinic to expand and grow VITA to other CSUs and community colleges, allowing our nine-campus collaborative to serve a wide area in Southern California.
Finally, I extend my congratulations to Dr. Rafi Efrat, Professor Lucy Nalbandian and the entire VITA team for another outstanding year. The exemplary effort you put forth at CSUN VITA continues to fuel its growth.