SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – With tax season in full swing, Bonita High School’s IRS-certified accountants-in-training once again are poised and ready to provide tax return filing assistance to local residents free of cost, as part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which has been a fixture at Bonita for more than 20 years. The VITA program will kick off with Tax Day on Thursday, Jan. 30, with a class session dedicated to tax preparation appointments for residents and students.

Guided by accounting teacher Madhu Sekhri, who is a Certified Public Accountant, Bonita’s VITA program is available for all students and tax payers who earned $67,000 or less in 2024. Tax preparation services are available through April 11 during the hours of 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“VITA gives students a real-world experience,” Sekhri said. “They are learning an important skill in filing tax returns, as well as gaining valuable experience as community service providers. VITA students work together practicing leadership, organization, and cooperation.”

To make an appointment for Tax Day on Thursday, Jan. 30, register on the Bonita High website. For other dates, appointments can be made by calling (909) 971-8220.

Taxpayers must bring a valid photo ID and Social Security card for all individuals on the return, all relevant tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s and supporting documents, bank routing and account numbers for the refund, and a copy of last year’s tax return.

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BUSD_TAXDAY: Guided by accounting teacher Madhu Sekhri (center), Bonita High School accounting students help local residents file their tax returns during the 2023-24 school year. Bonita students have provided tax preparation assistance free of cost through the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for more than 20 years.