MiraCosta College Tax Students Help Secure Refunds

Students from the tax program at MiraCosta College, working through the VITA Program, helped more than 1,000 community members with tax preparation and e-filing, securing them a total of $1,668,287 in refunds. 

The VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is sponsored by the IRS, and offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income families who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. 

“MiraCosta College student volunteers did a great deal of work to achieve these terrific results,” says accounting instructor and college VITA coordinator Michael Deschamps. “It demonstrates another significant benefit that the college helps to bring to our community.”

Student volunteers from MiraCosta College worked with other volunteers at North County Lifeline locations in Oceanside, Vista and San Marcos. Future plans include a VITA site at the college’s Community Learning Center in Oceanside.

For more information, contact Michael Deschamps at mdeschamps@miracosta.edu or call (760) 757-2121, ext. 6488.