By: Sera F. Quiroga, Communications Staff Writer

Photo cutline: Students, faculty and staff from Coastal Bend College (CBC) who participated in the VITA and TCE programs were on hand to receive their awards. 

Individuals from Coastal Bend College (CBC) who participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program were recently recognized for their commitment to the programs. These programs provided individuals throughout the College’s service area with free tax preparation assistance services.

Volunteers for the College’s programs included accounting/business technology students, accounting/business technology faculty, and members of the community. Volunteers who were recognized by the College and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at a special ceremony include:

Lupita Ramirez-71 hours

April Garcia- 195 hours

Christi Doria-157 hours

Crystal Gonzales- 95 hours

Susana Moron- 43 hours

Norma Lugo- 22 hours

Nelda Garza- 35 hours

Desiree Buehring- 172 hours

Lorena Gutierrez- 4 hours

Mateo Ramirez- 30 hours

Vicky Trevino- 228 hours

Katrina Martinez- 181 hours

Janie Hinojosa- 27 hours

Crissy Hernandez- 43 hours

Erika Smith- 56 hours

Adelina Saenz- 23 hours

Monica Ostos- 54 hours

Amanda Gonzalez- 16 hours

Juanita Dominguez- 16 hours

Rafael Hinojosa- 247 hours

Ashely Guerra- 76 hours

Julia Garcia- 100 hours

Vanessa Villa- 100 hours

Mary Jane Luther- 5 hours

Prior to assisting individuals who participated in the College’s free tax service programs, volunteers completed a rigorous training that was provided by the IRS. Services that were provided to community members who participated in the programs include: basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing, explanation of tax credits/deductions, and answering basic tax return questions.

This year, the programs were offered from January 23 through April 18 with 371 electronic returns filed yielding $578,214 in refunds. Individuals who utilized the VITA program’s services include individuals with an annual income of $60,000 or less, individuals with disabilities and individuals who speak limited English. Tax preparation services were also provided to individuals 60 years of age or older through the TCE program. The TCE program specializes in provided individuals with information about pensions and retirement.

For more information about CBC’s VITA programs, please contact CBC Associate Professor of Accounting Lupita Ramirez at (361) 354-2505 or gramirez@coastalbend.edu.