Most taxpayers know that April 15th is the deadline for filing their personal income tax returns.  For those taxpayers in the 23rd Assembly District that need help preparing their tax returns, Assemblymember Coto, (D-San Jose) reminds them that the California Franchise Tax Board sponsors a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and a Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program to help individuals complete their income tax returns.

"When preparing income tax returns, people often run into problems or become lost in the maze of forms and rules, especially when there are changes in the state or federal tax laws.” Assemblymember Coto said.

There are VITA and TCE sites in the 23rd District, and many offer special assistance, such as bilingual and/or shut in services.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a Taxpayer Advocate Service, which provides an independent system to ensure that tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels are handled promptly and fairly.  Each state and each service center has at least one taxpayer advocate who is independent of the local IRS Office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

"If you are having a problem with filling out your state income tax returns, please call my staff at (408) 277-1220, and ask for the VITA and TCE program sites nearest you.  They will provide you with the location, dates, service hours and special help offered at the sites.  If you need assistance with the preparation of your federal income taxes, they can give you the toll-free number for the Taxpayer Advocate Program. 

“These free tax assistance programs are important to Californians, including seniors, who need help preparing their taxes but cannot afford an accountant or a professional tax preparer.” Assemblymember Coto concluded.