Cal Poly students provide tax help to low-income residents

February 21, 2009

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

POMONA - Cal Poly Pomona accounting students each Saturday will provide some relief during these challenging economic times by offering free federal and state income tax assistance to Pomona Valley residents.

Low-income families who earn $40,000 or less as well as the elderly and non-English speaking people who are legal residents are eligible to receive assistance.

The free income tax preparation program is offered as part of a course, "Service Learning in Taxation," taught by accounting professor Bill Foley who also is a CPA and an attorney.

Most of the students speak another language, including Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese, to better help the community.

This year, 40 students will participate and all have studied Internal Revenue Service training manuals and passed two rigorous tests.

"It is vital that people receive all the credits they're eligible for given the current state of the economy," Foley said.

"Our students are knowledgeable in dependent care, earned income and first-time homebuyer credits so we can help taxpayers get money in their pockets."

The service is funded by Cal Poly Pomona in conjunction with the Inland Empire United Way.

There are two locations where people can receive assistance on Saturdays through April 11:

The Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center at 300 W. Second St. in Pomona's Arts Colony. The center will accept walk-ins from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will help people by appointment only from 3 to 5 p.m.

Walk-ins also are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club located at 1420 Garey Ave. in Pomona from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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