Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business Starts Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Weekend Clinics
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) - Business students at Cal Poly are activating their free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, weekend clinics.
Individuals and families who made $67,000 or less in 2025 automatically qualify for the vita program.
“About 50 years ago, there was this professor at California State University, Northridge,” says Grace O’connor, a student at Orfalea College Of Business. “He noticed this growing problem with tax preparers scamming taxpayers. So he started this program, and people lined up out the door. And from there, the IRS turned it into a national, sponsored program where Cal Poly is proudly one of 9500 sites.”
At Cal Poly, the clinics run from 9:30 to 2 every Saturday at the Orfalea College of Business.
There will also be clinics in Santa Maria and Oceano.
“Our Oceano clinic at Lucia Mar School will open next weekend, as well as our Santa Maria office at Allan Hancock College,” says Symon Marcotte, another student at Orfalea College Of Business.
Current business students at the clinics provide free help with completing both federal and state tax returns. They're trained to help people make sure they're claiming every eligible deduction and credit the IRS provides.
“I think a lot of people don't realize that, they may be eligible for more credits and refunds than they may think,” says O’Connor.
They also assist with filing returns electronically.
“The income limit has expanded in comparison to last year, specifically,” says O’Connor. “And with that being said, more people can qualify and more people can be a part of our student run program.”
Student volunteers say many people struggle with how complex tax filing can be at times.
“And I think a lot of, people take bad advice,” says Marcotte. “So instead of consulting with a professional, they just, go with what their friend told them, and maybe their friend didn't see it from a very great source.”
The clinics will be held every Saturday except Valentine’s Day, between now and March 14th.
For more information on Cal Poly’s VITA weekend clinics or to see if you qualify for their assistance, you can get started clicking this link to visit their website.
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