Theresa Smith, a Bakersfield College graduate, waited Saturday afternoon on the second-floor lobby of the business administration offices to get her taxes done for free at California State University, Bakersfield.

She is having her taxes prepared by accounting students in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program at CSUB.

The university has provided the free service since 1996, says James Patten, an associate professor of accounting at CSUB.

The program prepares about 450 to 500 returns a year.

Students looking for free tax assistance often take advantage of the service.

“VITA has been around for 30 years and it’s all over the country,” Patten said. “In fact, in Kern County, we have probably 10 or 15 VITA sites, but were one of only two that have electronic filing.”

Natalie Petersen and Ryan Nielson are accounting students at CSUB who work in the VITA program. And though Petersen said they don’t receive class credit for it, they say the work is rewarding.

“We do it just for the sheer delight of helping people,” Nielson said.

Both work during the week entering data for tax returns that are left from the weekend.

“It’s a tremendous learning experience,” Nielson said.

Patten recommends making an appointment by calling 664-2339.

A voice recording will tell the exact location of VITA and callers are prompted to leave a message.

The Mexican-American Opportunity Foundation has a site that is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those who need Spanish-speaking assistance.

An appointment is recommended.