Liberated from the restraints of the pandemic, the CSUN Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic came back strong in 2023 to clinch the top ranking among more than 6,700 VITA sites nationally in terms of returns transmitted.
Powered by more than 250 student volunteers, CSUN VITA provides free tax preparation and financial coaching to more than 8,500 low-income taxpayers in Los Angeles County.
In January 2023, the CSUN VITA Clinic reopened its doors on campus and at 13 other sites throughout Los Angeles County, including seven public library locations. From Jan. 28 through April 18, dedicated volunteers were available six days per week and up to 12 hours per day.
Student volunteers, under the guidance of Nazarian College faculty, helped taxpayers claim nearly $8 million in tax refunds and $2.8 million in federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits while saving them over $1.9 million in tax preparation fees in 2023.
With the support of Wells Fargo Bank, the Internal Revenue Service and the California Department of Community Services and Development, the CSUN VITA Clinic revitalized the exciting CSU5+ VITA Initiative, providing the impetus for nine campuses to join together and serve more than 12,000 taxpayers with the support of 500-plus student volunteers across our collaborative.
The $200,000 contribution from Wells Fargo Bank also enabled CSUN VITA to integrate and provide financial coaching services to its low-income taxpayer clients, empowering them to set aside a portion of their tax refunds to save for long-term financial goals. And in collaboration with CSUN’s Translation and Interpretation program, and with financial help from City National Bank, the CSUN VITA Clinic also successfully integrated a Spanish-language interpretation service.
“Gifts such as these are vital to the clinic and its work with low-income taxpayers,” said Rafi Efrat, Bookstein chair in taxation and director of the CSUN VITA Clinic. “Because of the generous support of our donors and supporters, we are able to continue to expand programs such as these and provide greater education and assistance to our volunteers and taxpaying clients.”
Efrat also attributes the success of the program to VITA Clinic faculty member Professor Lucy Nalbandian and its student volunteers.
“Our remarkable success during this past tax season would not be possible without
the dedication and commitment of Professor Nalbandian, who oversees the training and supervision of our student volunteers. At the same time, our accounting alumnus Cynthia Montes and Areli Araujo have done a superb job overseeing the day-to-day operations of the clinic and our extensive team of volunteers,” said Efrat.
“I have been particularly impressed by the incredible show of professionalism, unity, and commitment demonstrated by the team of volunteers, including more than 250 certified tax preparers and supervisors, financial coaches, and Spanish interpreters. Aside from their high professional competencies, they demonstrate a remarkable ability to manage our high-paced work environment with a calm, positive predisposition and a ‘can do’ attitude.” Nalbandian added that the clinic’s student volunteers “went above and beyond their duties.”
“Our student volunteers ensured taxpayers were serviced professionally and that they felt comfortable during the process,” she said. “The students demonstrated efficacy, technical knowledge, and most importantly, patience and kindness during what is often a challenging time for many taxpayers.”
Chandra Subramaniam, dean of David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, said the clinic is one of the most impactful programs at the college.
“The work that our staff, faculty, and students do each day lifts a heavy burden from low-income taxpayers and provides a broader benefit to our local and regional communities,” he said.
Learn more at csun.edu/busecon.
