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SFSU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

SFSU VITA is an IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals, including low-income taxpayers, students, older adults, individuals with limited English proficiency, and people with disabilities. Co-sponsored by the SF State Accounting Department and the Lam Family College of Business, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), University Corporation, and United Way Bay Area, the program has supported the local community for nearly 20 years while offering valuable, hands-on learning opportunities for student volunteers.

“VITA helped me strengthen skills in research, problem-solving, and communication. The knowledge and experience gained from VITA were also influential in helping me obtain a tax internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers.”- Najma Shaean Malik, SF State Accounting student and VITA volunteer

"The power of SF State's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is twofold: One, valuable work and service experience for students, and two, the VITA program gives back to the community in meaningful ways by generating $1 million in tax refunds to those who need it."  - Katie Hetherington, J.D., Associate Professor of Accounting at the Lam Family College of Business.

SFSU VITA Office

VITA provides free tax preparation services to qualified individuals, including:

  • Domestic and international students (F or J visas) — must meet nonresident filing requirements

  • F-1 students filing as nonresidents, single or married filing separately — in scope

    • Out of scope: F-1 students filing jointly or electing resident status

  • Individuals with low to moderate income — per IRS VITA guidelines

  • Seniors — elderly taxpayers meeting filing criteria

  • Limited English proficiency — bilingual support available at some sites

  • Individuals with disabilities — if within VITA scope

Frequently Asked Questions at SFSU VITA 

1. We do not offer tax consulting, accept tax documents via email, or process tax returns online. VITA cannot prepare tax returns for individuals who

2. E-file & Tax Return Summary: We file 2024 tax returns using VITA TaxSlayer—no other software or paper returns. Only a summary of the tax return is provided, not the full return.

3. Original Photo ID & No Tax Document Printing: We do not print electronic tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) due to security policies. Use the campus print shop: https://ucorp.sfsu.edu/ctrlp-digital-print-shop. Original photo ID required; electronic copies not accepted.

4. Spouse Signature (Married Filing Joint): If a spouse is absent, provide signed Form 8879 (e-file authorization) or Form 2848 (Power of Attorney).

5. Appointment length and wait times may vary depending on the complexity of your tax return and the quality review process.

2024 Tax Filing Options

1. Traditional In-Person VITA (AGI Limit: $75,000/year)

  • Meet face-to-face with IRS-certified volunteers who prepare and review your tax return using IRS-approved software.

2. DIY VITA (Facilitated Self Assistance, AGI Limit: $84,000/year)

Make an Appointment: https://calendly.com/sfsuvita

Appointments are required and prioritized. Provide 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

2026 SFSU VITA Tax Season: January 29 (Thursday) to April 15 (Wednesday)
Located in Creative Arts #134, next to the SFSU Library.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9:30am-12:30pm
12:30pm-3:30pm
12:30pm-3:30pm
9:30am-12:30pm
12:30pm-3:30pm
3:30pm-6:30pm
3:30pm-6:30pm
12:30pm-3:30pm
 
 
 
 
  • SFSU VITA will be closed during Spring Break (March 23–27) and on César Chávez Day (March 31).
  • SFSU VITA schedule may change based on university and program updates. 
 

Please arrive 10 minutes early and bring all required hard-copy documents.

  • [Recommended] Bring a completed IRS intake form for efficient processing. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf
  • Government-issued photo ID for you and your spouse (if married).
  • Taxpayer Information:
    • Social Security cards or ITIN documents for you, your spouse, and dependents.
    • Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents.
  • Income Documents: W-2s, 1099s, and self-employment income records.
  • Additional Tax Forms: 1098s, 1095s, and other relevant forms.
  • Deductions and Credits: Records for deductions (e.g., charitable contributions) and credits.
  • Childcare Expenses: Total paid to daycare providers and their Tax ID number.
  • Bring a voided check with bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit; otherwise, refunds may be delayed 4–5 weeks per IRS policy.
  • Previous year’s federal and state tax returns (recommended)
  • Married Filing Jointly: Both spouses must be present. If one spouse cannot attend, the other must bring all required documents and a Power of Attorney (Form 2848).

SFSU VITA: Creative Arts Building # 134, Next to SFSU Library

San Francisco State University
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132

Get Free Tax Help

Questions? Contact VITA program

The 2025 SFSU VITA site is now closed for the season. Thank you for your support! We look forward to resuming services during next year’s tax season. For additional tax assistance, please visit United Way Bay Area Free Tax Help.

  • Email:  vita.sfsu@gmail.com

  • Phone: (415) 338-1079 (active only during VITA hours; no voicemail)

  • The best way to book an appointment is via https://calendly.com/sfsuvita

  • As an in-person VITA site, we do not accept tax documents, offer tax consulting via email, or process tax returns online.