Testimonials

“Throughout the process, they’re so informative. I was going to have to pay. [The VITA volunteer] looked at last year’s taxes, and [the paid tax preparer I used last year] did it wrong, so after tax season is over, he wants me to come back so he can redo them. My refund is huge this time…over $3,000. I normally save my refund for when I really need it, but this time I’m going to think of me first. Not making that much money and having this done for free… I’m just so relieved.”

— Yolanda, VITA filer

“I’ve been doing this since 2009, so I have experience in all different [roles]. I want to make sure that I ensure it’s a safe space for anyone to ask questions, or if you’re frustrated with a return. I’m always going to be on the side of wanting to help people. I like being in the room with [all the volunteers] learning…there’s music and laughing. I’m just going to be that family member, like, if you need me, I got you”

-Vonetta, VITA Volunteer

“I really enjoy seeing [community members who] come in very shy, [or] very confused…. leave with a smile [because of] our [VITA] program, that’s very rewarding. It’s great to expose yourself to something like [VITA] very early….I plan to come back [and volunteer again], it’s been a great experience.”

-Nathaniel, VITA Volunteer

“This service has just been amazing for me. Because I was on disability, I wasn’t sure if I needed to file my taxes. I didn’t know I was missing out on tax credits like the Child Tax Credit. Instead of paying, I was able to get my taxes done for free. Being able to provide a bit more at Christmastime when my kids ask for new shoes or getting that dress for prom, is really amazing. I hope more people reap the benefits from this free tax service”.

“This was not the year I was going to want to pay someone to do it for me…every dollar meant something.”

“Coming to the United States from Peru was a real challenge. I had very little family or support system here to help me navigate things like housing, employment, or my education, much less filing my taxes. To qualify for financial aid for school, I had to file my taxes for the first time ever. The VITA program helped me through the process completely free of charge. Thanks to this program, I was able to complete my taxes accurately and on time and established my first ever savings with the refund I received.”

“I first found out about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program while attending Cal Lutheran University. Years later, after working in private accounting and looking for an opportunity to give back to the community, I reached out to the program and started volunteering. I am now a second year volunteer. Hearing how grateful people are for the program, and how helpful it is especially for those that are in hard spots in their life, is why I come back”.

“Once you’re living check by check, it’s hard to save — especially when you have three kids, and you’re helping out your parents. It all adds up! Having that money there motivates you.”

“Having the money for me made me remember what it was to be a breadwinner. A good breadwinner! Bringing back the dignity of having that kind of money that is officially yours. You feel really empowered.”

“I use the CalEITC refund to pay some existing bills, pay off some debt, improve parts of my home, buy supplies for the kids. So it’s been really helpful.”

“I’m really impressed with how they organized the VITA tax filing. I think the whole program is helping me to be a better person.”

“As a retiree, the fact that I’m not paying a CPA [to file my taxes] really eases the crunch that a fixed income can create.”

“I could not have accurately completed my taxes on my own. This weekend I even got my CA Golden State Stimulus $600 deposited in my bank account because I had filed my taxes early. Thanks being here when I need you.”