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Local Students Make Filing Taxes Easy and Free

Local Students Help Low Income Families File Taxes for Free

Written by KEY News Staff

Story Created: Jan 27, 2012 at 4:50 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 29, 2012 at 10:28 AM PST

It's tax time. For some people, filing can be complicated and expensive. But a group of local high school students is making the process a little easier, and learning valuable lessons in the process.

"Here at Don's Net Café, our motto is 'doing some good in the world,' and that's my part. I'm giving back to my community," says student volunteer, Jenny Aguilar.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has been in place for more than 18 years, and according to its customers, like Buzzy Hague, has earned its good reputation.

"Oh yeah, he did a good job. He has a good instructor."

Students are first taught how to file a tax return. Next, they must take a test and get I.R.S. Certified.

It is Brandon Smith's first year volunteering for the program. "before, I always thought doing taxes was boring, a lot of hard work. It was a good feeling though."

"It builds up our resume, so it looks good on that," adds Jesus Terrazas.

During tax season V.I.T.A. opens its doors to low income families, and anyone in need of help.

"I had a question about one thing and they explained it to me and so I'm really happy with the results," explains Hague.

And its free.

Ashley Zaragoza has been a V.I.T.A. Customer for three years. "I actually went and got a quote from H & R Block, and for the same thing they can do here, they were going to charge me $300."

While some non-profit tax prep assistance programs will be scaling down due to their own financial stress, volunteers with V.I.T.A. say they are happy to take on new customers. They expect to file more than four hundred returns this year.

"A lot of people leave happy because we're really friendly and we get their taxes prepared and it goes smoothly," says Aguilar.

V.I.T.A. has moved to a new location on the south side of Santa Barbara High's campus. It's now on Cannon Perdido. It will be officially open for business every Thursday afternoon from 3 until 6. This year's deadline to file is Tuesday, April 17th.
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