Free Tax Assistance Ends April 10

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA (April 1, 2010) – In partnership with local nonprofit organizations, the financial stability initiative of Inland Empire United Way provides the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and offers FREE tax help to the low-income community and senior citizens. For this tax season, the final two Fridays and Saturdays are near and free assistance will end April 10.

Each Friday or Saturday, California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) and Cal Poly Pomona accounting students provide FREE income tax preparation services for low-income taxpayers (less than $60,000 gross income per return) and elderly taxpayers. Students are trained to prepare basic Federal and California resident tax returns.

Assistance is also available for those who are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Education Credits, Dependent Care Credit, and/or Child Tax Credit. Additionally, most sites offer free electronic filing so taxpayers can receive refunds sooner.

The VITA site in Rancho Cucamonga is located at the Northtown Community Center on 10071 Feron Boulevard. Tax preparation services will be available at this location for its final two Saturdays this tax season from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The VITA site in Redlands is located at the Boys & Girls Club of Redlands on 1251 Clay Street. Tax preparation services are available at this location for its last two Fridays this tax season from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The VITA site in Fontana is located at the Josephine Knopf Center on 8384 Cypress Avenue. Tax preparation services will be available at this location for its two final Saturdays this tax season from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

VITA sites in Pomona include the Boys & Girls Club of Pomona on 1420 South Garey Avenue, YMCA of Pomona Valley on 350 North Garey Avenue, and Inland Empire Credit Union – Pomona on 435 West Mission Boulevard, Suite #100. Tax preparation services are available at the Pomona VITA sites for its final two Saturdays this tax season from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“VITA sites help low-income families receive the money that belongs to them,” said Allan Collins, Director of Financial Stability and Volunteerism. “The extra dollars will help lift hard-working families out of poverty and fuel the economy, and I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Dial 2-1-1 or link to www.sbvita.org for a VITA site near you.

VITA volunteers are NOT able to prepare tax returns for nonresidents, small business owners, owners of rental properties, or those filing married separately.

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