Tax Preparation Assistance

You may be required to file your taxes, based on your dependency status or yearly income. If your household income is less than $60,000 per year, you could qualify for free tax preparation and filing assistance.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to provide free basic tax return preparation for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, as well as elderly taxpayers. The program is also available to persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. 

Students can receive assistance—online or in-person—from IRS-certified volunteers who provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals throughout the County of Los Angeles. Tax assistance is generally available from February 1 through April 15 but some services are available through October. Dates and times vary by location, and some VITA sites require appointments.

Where can I meet with a VITA volunteer?

The following offices are less than five miles from Compton College and currently offer tax preparation assistance through the VITA program. Contact them for current hours. They are only available by appointment.

Long Beach CAP
117 West Victoria St
Long Beach, CA 90805
562-216-4600

WLCAC-Family Source Center
1212 E. 108th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059
323-357-6262

To find other VITA sites near you, click here.

Can I get tax preparation assistance on campus?

During the tax season, Compton College sometimes offers workshops and tax preparation assistance on campus. Stay tuned for information about upcoming tax preparation events in Spring 2024.

What documents do I need for my tax return?

Some of the items you will need are a copy of last year’s tax return, if available; a picture I.D. for each taxpayer and spouse, if applicable; a social security number or individual taxpayers’ identification number (ITIN) for each family member; proof of income including W2s and 1099 forms; documentation of deductible expenses; and account and routing numbers of checking and savings accounts for direct deposit and a faster refund.

For a full checklist of items to bring with you when meet with a VITA volunteer, click here.

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)

Getting your taxes filed on time and accurately is critical. But it’s also important to make sure your refund is as big as it can be. VITA volunteers can talk with you about your eligibility for different tax credits. Find out if you qualify for the following:

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CITC)

You may be eligible for this tax credit as a working family or individual.
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/credits/california-earned-income-tax-credit.html

Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)

Parents who have a child under 6 years old may qualify for this credit on their California tax return.
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/credits/young-child-tax-credit.html