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| Students will provide tax assistance every Saturday until April 12. |
Continuing a long-standing tradition, Cal Poly Pomona accounting students will offer free federal and state income tax assistance to Pomona Valley residents every Saturday through April 12.
Low-income families who earn approximately $40,000 or less as well as the elderly and non-English speaking people are eligible to receive assistance. Taxpayers also have the option to electronically file their returns for free, which is the fastest way to receive tax refunds.
The free income tax preparation program is offered as part of a course, Service Learning in Taxation, taught by accounting professor and Certified Public Accountant Ahmed Abo-Hebeish. In order for students to participate, they must study training materials created by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and pass two rigorous tests.
This service is provided by Inland Empire United Way and is partially funded by a Union Bank of California grant.
“Income tax assistance programs are essential in helping low-income people,” said Allan Collins of the Inland Empire United Way. “Oftentimes, people do not claim valuable tax credits. Volunteers work hard to make sure people are reaping all the benefits available to them.”
Collins added that some tax credits could be worth up to $4,000.
While adults are getting help with their taxes, children can participate in supervised arts and crafts activities at the Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center located at 300 W. Second St. in Downtown 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 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-ins also are welcome at the Boys and Girls Club located at 1420 Garey Ave. in Pomona from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, please call (888) 435-7565.