Cal State LA VITA Services provides free, student-powder tax preparation to eligible taxpayers throughout Los Angeles.working under trained supervisors and managers, student volunteer serve community members at campus, library, nonprofit, and special-event locations. The program combines practical professional experience with meaningful financial benefits for individuals and families.
How VITA works
Certified students and experienced reviewers work together to deliver accurate, respectful services.
Student Prepare
Trained student volunteers help eligible taxpayers prepare federal and California returns.
Professionals Supervise
Managers and supervisors review the work and support accurate, confidential service.
Communities Benefit
Taxpayers receive free assistance while students build technical, communication, and client service skills.
Annual Impact
2024-26 TAX SEASON
Expanding Seven Across Seven sites
Returns: Approximately 2,260
Tax Benefits: More than $3.8 M
Volunteers: 195
Sites: 7
Special service days extened VITA support through Homeboy Industries, the Cal State LA Library, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Depaul USA, and LA Care Pomona.
2024-25 TAX SEASON
Deepening Community-Based Outreach
Returns: Approximately 2,163
Tax Benefits: More than $3M
Volunteers: 166
Sites: 6
More than 2,000 families were served, including international students and clients reached through special service days
2023-24 TAX SEASON
Growing Access and Maintaining Quality
Returns: Approximately 2,307
Tax Benefits: More than $3 M
Volunteers: 91
Sites: 6
Cypress Park and Sunland-Tujunga libraries joined the service network, increasing neighborhood access to free tax preparations.
2022-23 TAX SEASON
Establishing a Strong Service Benchmark
Returns: Approximately 1,460
Tax Benefits: Just under $2M
Volunteers: 91
Sites: 5
Client feedback established a strong baseline for monitoring satisfaction, expectation, and service speed.
A High-Quality Client and Student Experience
Participate in Cal State LA VITA
GET INVOLVED
Taxpayers
Review current eligibility, locations, hours, appointment information, and what to bring.
Students
Build piratical tax, communication, teamwork, and client-service experience as a trained volunteer.
Community Organizations
Explore opportunities to hose a service location, special event, or community partnership.
Last updated:August 2026