Story by: Ivan Villa, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy Alfexe Website
Cypress College students face that time of year again where federal taxes are due. A portion of professional offices may extend their hours due to the public filing their taxes last minute before the federal deadline to avoid any penalties after the federal deadline.
Many students at Cypress College face the challenge of filing their federal income tax returns. The official deadline for last year’s tax returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Internal Revenue Services reminds taxpayers that if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. A return is considered filed on time when the envelope is properly addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by the due date.
While some students may already have their taxes filed, others are still completing them before the deadline. Some students might be missing classes in order to file their taxes on time days before the federal deadline to avoid paying any penalties or delays.
For those still needing to file, options include in person professional tax offices, local firms, or through websites like Turbo Tax, H&R Block or the IRS Free File are available.
Additionally, according to the IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers website, the IRS provides the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, offering free tax preparation for qualifying individuals. However, despite these options, students often face obstacles when seeking tax assistance.
While students will be filling their W-2 form, students have received a notification through mygateway website announcing the 2025 1098-T form. According to the Cypress College through mygateway page under the 1098-T IRS Form: frequently asked questions, they are stating that the reason the students are receiving the notification are for students who are registered at Cypress College or Fullerton College in 2024 or earlier and have an outstanding balance, or attended Cypress College and/or Fullerton College in 2025, Cypress College has been notified by the IRS that students are to be requested for their legal names and social security numbers to submit the 1098-T information.
According to the IRS website under the About form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, it is stated “Eligible educational institutions file form 1098-T for each student they enroll and whom a reportable transaction is made”. They also stated that insurers file this form for each individual to whom they made the reimbursements or refunds of qualified tuition and related expenses.
Cypress College does not currently offer on campus services to assist students with tax filing. Cypress College should have a program or services that can help students file tax returns on campus. Many students find it difficult to navigate their schedules to make it to a tax office before closing hours, as most tax offices close early in the evening, while students may be tied up with classes throughout the day. Traffic during the afternoon rush also makes it hard to reach these offices in time.
Given the unique needs of the student population, Cypress College should consider implementing a tax preparation service on campus. Such a service would not only cater to the busy schedules of students but also provide a convenient option for those who cannot afford to seek professional assistance elsewhere. The IRS’s VITA program already offers free tax preparation for those with qualifying incomes, and students should be able to access this valuable resource without the added stress of traveling off-campus.
