Accounting Students File Tax Returns for Members of Community

Cal Poly Pomona accounting students 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 approximately $40,000 or less as well as the elderly and non-English speaking people who are legal residents 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 Bill Foley who also is a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney. This year, 40 students will participate and all have studied Internal Revenue Service (IRS) training manuals and passed two rigorous tests. Most of the students speak another language, including Spanish, Tagalog and Chinese, to better help the community.

“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.

Where: Cal Poly Pomona Downtown Center, 300 W. Second St. in Pomona, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (3 p.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only)

Boy & Girls Club, 1420 S. Garey Ave. in Pomona, Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.