(Santa Ana, CA) - Members of the community and Santa Ana College students are invited to visit campus to receive free tax assistance help this tax season through Orange County United Way’s OC Free Tax Prep program and the IRS.
On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through April 6, interested persons can receive free tax preparation services from trained SAC students who plan to pursue financial careers. Students have completed the IRS Tax Prep Certificate exams and receive hands-on experience preparing returns for clients and enhancing their problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to using the skills they’ve attained, students will gain experience in filing forms for workers in multiple scenarios and industries.
The IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is designed to offer cost-free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income, elderly, military, non-English speaking and disabled taxpayers. Students and members of the community who made less than $60,000 in 2018 are likely eligible to participate. Appointments are required. Call (888) 434-8248 with any eligibility questions or to make an appointment.
Once an appointment is made, the tax filer needs to bring photo identification, Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), all tax-related forms sent from their employer (W2, 1099, etc.), their health insurance coverage statement (1095 A, B or C), educational expense forms (1098 E and T), childcare provider information (name, address, phone number and Tax ID number), account numbers in the event of a refund and a copy of their 2017 income tax returns. Additionally, spouses filing jointly must both be present to sign the required forms.
In its inaugural year, SAC was one of the busiest locations serving the City of Santa Ana. Student interns assisted with 213 income tax returns, resulting in SAC being named as a United Way Top Performing Site. Additionally, 43 interns staffed the site, 36 of which have since been hired in tax, accounting and financial positions as a result of their experience.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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