300+ Students Offer Free Tax Help to 10,000+ LA Families

Tax season just got a whole lot easier for thousands of families in Los Angeles County.

More than 300 California State University, Northridge students are offering free tax preparation services to anyone who earned less than $69,000 last year. These aren't just friendly helpers, though. They're IRS-certified volunteers trained to handle federal and state returns from start to finish.

The program launched its 2026 season in late January and runs through April 15. Walk into any of the 18 locations across LA County, and you'll find students ready to tackle your paperwork, answer questions in multiple languages, and electronically file your returns without charging a single dollar.

CSUN's main clinic operates in Bookstein Hall near Plummer Street and Etiwanda Avenue. Hours run Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended Thursday hours until 10 p.m. to help people who can't make it during typical business hours.

The program also set up shop at public libraries throughout the valley, including locations in Glendale, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, San Fernando, and Sun Valley. Faculty supervisors oversee every return to ensure accuracy before filing.

Spanish interpreters work alongside volunteers to help non-English speakers navigate the tax process. For many families, language barriers turn tax season into a stressful guessing game or an expensive trip to a paid preparer.

The Ripple Effect

Last year's numbers tell the real story. Those 10,649 tax returns the students prepared translated into real money back in real pockets. For families living on tight budgets, a tax refund might mean catching up on bills, fixing a car, or buying school supplies.

The students gain something too. They're building professional skills, earning IRS certification, and learning what it means to serve their community. Many return year after year, turning a semester commitment into a tradition of giving back.

This kind of program saves families hundreds of dollars they'd otherwise spend on tax preparation fees. That money stays in the community, supporting local businesses and helping people build financial stability one return at a time.

Appointments fill up fast, but slots are still available through the CSUN VITA Clinic website where families can check eligibility and book their time.