College Of The Desert Offering Free Tax Prep Assistance

The following is a news release from the College of the Desert:

PALM DESERT, CA — College of the Desert (COD) is offering free tax prep assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are prioritized.

Individuals with an income of $75,000 a year or less can benefit from these services.

“The VITA program allows us to meet a basic need in our community,” said Pablo Romero. “Last year we were able to complete 377 returns. This year, we’ve recruited the help of more volunteers with the hope of reaching 450.”

VITA, as an arm of the IRS, offers free basic tax return preparation at community sites throughout the nation. Sites are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who seek to make a difference in their communities. This allows the VITA program to offer free and reliable tax preparation services.

VITA will be set up in Room 206 at the Indio Campus now through April 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be at the Palm Desert Campus in South Annex 3 on Fridays now through April 11 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tax documents, ID and social security card or ITIN card are required to complete tax preparation.

In 2024, College of the Desert’s VITA program was able to complete returns that yielded $572,799 in Federal and State refunds for the community. Of that, $115,858 were EIC credits. In addition, the IRS estimated that VITA saved participants $56,817 in preparation fees. This equates to a total economic stimulus of $629,616.

These services are made possible by a $10,000 grant awarded to COD by the Foundation for California Community Colleges. The purpose of the grant is to help low-income working Californians file their taxes and claim any available Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).

Appointments can be made through the event registration. For additional information, please contact 760.862.1319.