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In the Spotlight 2012
Controller Chiang's Upcoming Community Seminars, Workshops and Other Events
Free Tax Assistance:
If your 2011 earnings were $50,000 or less, you may be eligible to receive free tax assistance from a certified tax preparer through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. To find the nearest free tax assistance location in your community, click here, call 1-800-906-9887 or or stop by one of the Controller’s VITA workshops:
The Controller is offering a VITA site in his Los Angeles Office from Jan. 18-April 16. Free help is available in multiple languages at the following location:
State Controller's Office
777 South Figueroa St., Suite 4800
Los Angeles 90017
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Appointment required, call (213) 833-6010
The Controller also is partnering with community organizations to host these free tax preparation events:
Saturday, Feb. 4: Mission Hills
North Valley Occupational School
11450 Sharp Ave.
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Read more in English and Spanish.
Wednesday, Feb. 8: Santa Ana
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Orange County
1920 Old Tustin Ave.
2 p.m.–7 p.m.
Read more in English and Spanish
Saturday, Feb. 11: Los Angeles
Chicana Action Service Center
3601 E. 1st St.
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Read more here.
Thursday, Feb. 16: Baldwin Park
Esther Snyder Community Center
4100 Baldwin Park Blvd.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Read more in English and Spanish.
Saturday, Feb. 18: Lynwood
Firebaugh High School
5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Read more here.
Wednesday, Feb. 22: Pasadena
La Pintoresca Library
1355 North Raymond Ave.
2 p.m.-7 p.m.
Read more here.
Thursday, Feb. 23: Glendale
Verdugo Jobs Center
1255 South Central Ave.
1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Read more here.
Thursday, March 1, Monterey Park
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
318 S. Ramona Ave.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Read more in English and Chinese.
Friday, March 9: Whittier
Los Angeles County
Community Resource Center
10750 Laurel Ave.
(Corner of Carmenita Road and Florence Avenue)
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Read more in English and Spanish
Saturday, April 7: Hawaiian Gardens
City of Hawaiian Gardens
Public Safety Center, 2nd Floor
11940 Carson Street
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Read more in English and Spanish.
Upcoming Business Seminars:
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012: Keeping Your Business in Government Compliance and Financial Order, Los Angeles
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free business seminar on government compliance at the Chicana Action Service Center, located at 3601 E. 1st St. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., while the program runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Read more here. Sign up here.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012: Keep Your Business Thriving!, Los Angeles
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar on ways to identify new financial opportunities at the Chicana Action Service Center, located at 3601 E. 1st St. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., while the program runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Read more here. Sign up here.
Saturday, March 24, 2012: The Social Media Craze, Los Angeles
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar on business marketing at the Chicana Action Service Center, located at 3601 E. 1st St. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., while the program runs from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Read more here. Sign up here.
Help Prepare Income Tax Returns of Those in Need
The State Controller's Office wants your help in preparing free income tax returns for low- to moderate-income families and individuals! The Controller's Office partners with the IRS to serve communities through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. For more information, please view the flyer.
Dec. 10, 2011: Free Volunteer Orientation For VITA Tax Preparers
A free four-hour introduction to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Certification Program will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Central City Neighborhood Partners, 501 South Bixel St. in Los Angeles. For more information, please view the flyer.
Nov. 8, 2011: Riverside County Enterprise Zone and Regional Business Opportunities Seminar, Coachella
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free business seminar at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees will receive updates on regional business opportunities, small business financing, enterprise zones and tax resources. For more information, please view the flyer.
Nov. 4, 2011: Tax and Resource Seminar for Non-Profit Groups, San Jose
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Berryessa Branch Library that will include tips on strategic financial planning, welfare and property tax exemptions and protecting charitable assets. For more information, please view the flyer.
Nov. 4, 2011: Small Business Assistance and Regional Opportunities Seminar, Pleasant Hill
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free business seminar at John F. Kennedy University from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees will receive updates on tax compliance issues, small business financing and other incentive programs. For more information, please view the flyer.
Oct. 25, 2011: Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar, Vacaville
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ulatis Community Center that will include tips on how to make your business more competitive, what's new at the Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department, and the latest Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board requirements. For more information, please view the flyer.
Oct. 25, 2011: Financial Literacy Seminar for Seniors, Vacaville
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar from 10 a.m. to noon at Ulatis Community Center that will include ways to avoid fraud, how to reclaim unclaimed property and recent developments in Medicare, Medi-Cal and Social Security. For more information, please view the flyer.
Oct. 19, 2011: Understanding How Restaurants Can Thrive in the New Economy, Chino Hills
State Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free seminar in Chino Hills on tax and tip reporting requirements, sales and use tax compliance and labor law issues. For more information, please view the flyer.
Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, 2011: Show Me the Money Fall Seminars, Sacramento
Learn how the State makes payments! These seminars are recommended for accounting office staff, program staff and others involved in the initiation and resolution of the payment process. Pre-registration is required for these free events. Participants only need to sign up for one seminar date. Seating is limited. For more information, please view the flyer.
Sept. 15, 2011: Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar, National City
Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free business seminar at Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Center. Attendees will receive updates on tax issues, enterprise zone tax incentives and regional business opportunities. For more information, please view the flyer.
Sept. 14, 2011: Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar, Hayward
Controller John Chiang and the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association are co-hosting a free business seminar at Chabot College in Hayward. The event will focus on resources and opportunities, ways to grow your business and key Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board requirements. For more information, please view the flyer.
Aug. 10, 2011: Understanding How Restaurants Can Thrive in the New Economy, San Gabriel Valley
State Controller John Chiang, State Sen. Ed Hernandez and Assembly Member Mike Eng are hosting a free seminar in Monterey Park on federal and state tax and tip reporting, state sales and use tax compliance and labor law issues. For more information, please view the flyer.
Aug. 9, 2011: Tax Seminar for Nonprofit and Faith-Based Organizations, San Diego
State Controller John Chiang and Michelle Steel, vice chair of the state Board of Equalization, are hosting a free seminar in San Diego on sales and use taxes, property tax exemptions and employment taxes. For more information, please view the flyer.
Aug. 9, 2011: Seminar for Registered Domestic Partners and Same-Sex Married Couples, San Diego
State Controller John Chiang and Assembly Member Toni Atkins are hosting a free seminar in San Diego on federal and California state income tax reporting rules, estate planning and more. For more information, please view the flyer.
Aug. 5, 2011: Understanding How Small Businesses Can Thrive in the New Economy, Culver City
State Controller John Chiang, State Sen. Curren Price and Assembly Member Holly Mitchell are hosting a free seminar in Culver City on critical tax law changes, contracting opportunities and how to stay in business during difficult times. For more information, please view the flyer.
July 20, 2011: Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar, Rohnert Park
State Controller John Chiang and Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster are hosting a free seminar on how to take advantage of California resources and opportunities, what's new at the Board of Equalization and Employment Development Department and critical tax law changes. For more information, please view the flyer.
July 20, 2011: Understanding How Restaurants Can Thrive in the New Economy, St. Helena
State Controller John Chiang, State Sen. Noreen Evans and Napa Valley College are hosting a free seminar in St. Helena on sales and use tax information for restaurant owners, federal and state tax and tip reporting requirements, employment tax issues and social marketing and the media. For more information, please view the flyer.
June 10, 2011: Helping Small Businesses Thrive in the New Economy, Los Angeles
State Controller John Chiang, Assembly Member Gilbert Cedillo and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a free seminar on how to grow your business, comply with state and federal tax laws, stay in business during difficult times, market your products and increase you import/export potential. For more information, please view the flyer.
May 20, 2011: Small Business Assistance Workshop, San Mateo
State Controller John Chiang and Assembly Member Jerry Hill are hosting a free small business assistance and regional business opportunities workshop in San Mateo, offering information on tax compliance issues, small business financing programs and local tax and other incentives. For more information, please view the flyer.
May 13, 2011: Small Business Tax Seminar, Coachella Valley
State Controller John Chiang and Assembly Member V. Manuel Perez will be hosting a free small business and regional business opportunities seminar in Desert Hot Springs focusing on tax compliance issues, small business financing programs and local tax and other incentives. For more information, please view the flyer.
Free Income Tax Filing Assistance
Each year, Controller John Chiang works in partnership with community organizations to help provide free income tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income Californians. For locations and dates, please visit our Tax Preparation Assistance page.
April 19, 2011: Show Me the Money Educational Seminar - The State Controller is co-hosting Show Me the Money educational seminars for State agency accounting office staff, program staff, and staff involved in the initiation and resolution of the payment process:
- Show Me the Money Spring Seminar 2011 - Pre-registration required! Limited seating available.
2010 In the Spotlight:
INLAND EMPIRE: State Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free Inland Empire Small Business Tax Information and Regional Business Opportunities Seminar on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, from 9 a.m. until 12:35 p.m. in San Bernardino. Important topics include small business tax issues; green technology opportunities; and federal, State and local business incentive programs available in the Inland Empire. We hope you can attend this informative event! For more details and RSVP and registration information, please see our flyer.
INLAND EMPIRE: State Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free Inland Empire Tax Information Seminar for Non Profit, Faith Based and Exempt Organizations on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in Riverside. Major topics include employment taxes, the new Form 990, health care tax credits, sales and use taxes, and many more important discussions. Plan to attend this free event! For more details and RSVP and registration information, please see our flyer.
ALAMEDA COUNTY: State Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free Alameda County Small Business Tax Information, Enterprise Zone and Regional Business Opportunities Seminar in Oakland on Friday, December 3, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Key information sessions include small business tax compliance issues, small business financing programs, State and local enterprise zone tax incentives, the healthcare reform act and many other important issues. We hope you can join us at this FREE event! For more details and RSVP and registration information, please see our flyer.
ANAHEIM: Controller John Chiang is co-hosting Pathways to Higher Education: Financial Literacy for College and Careers, scheduled for Wednesday, November 10, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Anaheim. This seminar will inform parents and students about financial planning, educational costs, and financial aid resources. Plan to attend! For RSVP and more details, please see our flyer.
Controller Chiang is co-hosting a California Small Business and Regional Opportunities Seminar in Ontario on Friday, October 15, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Major topics included federal, State and employment tax issues for small business owners; tax-related resources for entrepreneurs; access to capital and credit; and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Plan to attend this informative event! For details, please see our Ontario seminar flyer and seminar RSVP form.
October 12 and October 19 Show Me the Money Educational Seminars: The State Controller is co-hosting Show Me the Money educational seminars for State agency accounting office staff, program staff, and staff involved in the initiation and resolution of the payment process.
- Show Me the Money Fall Seminars 2010 - Pre-registration required! Limited seating available.
LOS ANGELES, EAST LOS ANGELES, GARDENA, PICO RIVERA, CYPRESS, LYNWOOD and EL MONTE: Controller John Chiang is co-hosting free Financial Literacy Seminars for Seniors. Events include August 9 in El Monte, August 12 in Gardena, August 19 in Lynwood, August 24 in Los Angeles, August 24 in East Los Angeles, August 24 in Gardena, August 25 in Cypress, and August 26 in Pico Rivera. Important topics include senior fraud protection, recent developments in Social Security and Medicare, senior resources, AARP economic security programs, and the Controller's Unclaimed Property Program. Make plans to attend these special events! For registration information and seminar details, please see our flyers:
August 9: El Monte;
August 12: Gardena;
August 19: Lynwood.
August 24: Los Angeles
August 24 : Los Angeles - 한국어 (Korean)
August 24: East Los Angeles
August 24: East Los Angeles - En Español (Spanish)
August 24: Gardena - En Español (Spanish)
August 25: Cypress
August 26: Pico Rivera
VAN NUYS: Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free Women's Financial Literacy Workshop and Resource Fair in Van Nuys on Friday, July 16, 2010. Make plans to attend this special event, which includes discussion of managing debt and credit, tax credits for continuing education and college, preparing for retirement, reverse mortgages, estate planning, and long-term care planning and insurance. For registration information and seminar details, please see our flyer.
LEMON GROVE: Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a FREE Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar in Lemon Grove on Thursday, July 15, 2010. Plan to attend this event, which includes discussion of federal and state tax and payroll issues for small businesses, regional business opportunities and incentives, and enterprise zone tax credits and benefits. For registration information and seminar details, please see our flyer.
LOS ANGELES: Controller John Chiang is co-hosting a free Small Business Tax Seminar in Los Angeles on Monday, June 28, 2010. Plan to attend this event, which includes discussion of federal and State tax issues for small business owners, enterprise zone tax credits, federal stimulus funds, and local/regional business incentives and opportunities. For registration information and seminar details, please see our flyer.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY: Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free, San Diego County Veterans Financial Planning, Resource and Information Seminar in Chula Vista on Monday, June 21, 2010. Topics include maximizing your available tax and veterans' benefits, and financial planning help. For details and registration information, please see our flyer!
SACRAMENTO: Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free, home foreclosure prevention workshop in Sacramento on Friday, June 4, 2010. Get help to save your home! For details and registration information, please see our flyer.
Controller Chiang is co-hosting an Upstate California Small Business Tax and Regional Opportunities Seminar in Redding on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. Major topics include federal, State and employment tax issues for small business owners; tax-related resources for entrepreneurs; enterprise zones; and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. For details and how to RSVP for this regional event, please see our flyer!
Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free financial literacy fair on April 20 at the State Capitol in Sacramento, and free financial education workshops on April 24 in Richmond.
Get connected with community organizations that can help you Take Control.
(April 20 event canceled due to weather) Tuesday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
California State Capitol, South Steps
Sacramento, CA
Saturday, April 24 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Richmond Library, Madeline Whittlesey Community Room
326 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA
94875
FREE Tax Preparation Services:
Controller John Chiang is working in partnership with community organizations to help provide free tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Taxpayers will receive assistance from volunteers registered through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Taxpayer assistance events include:
- Los Angeles on April 13;
- San Bernardino on April 12;
- Oxnard on April 10;
- Pasadena on April 9;
- North Hollywood on April 8;
- Santa Barbara on April 7;
- Los Angeles 3 de abril 2010; Los Angeles on April 3;
- Weaverville on April 1;
- Eureka on March 31;
- Redding on March 30;
- Oakland on March 29;
- Lemon Grove on March 27;
- Los Angeles on March 26;
- Fresno on March 25;
- Visalia on March 25;
- Los Angeles on March 22 and 23;
- Los Angeles on March 20;
- Los Angeles on March 4, March 20 and April 10 (see 2010 Tax Preparation Assistance Locations Page) for details;
- Palm Springs on March 6;
- Hawaiian Gardens on March 8, and Whittier on March 26;
- Los Angeles on February 25;
- Compton on February 24;
- Lamont on February 18, and Arvin on February 19.
For more details and information on making appointments, please see our 2010 Tax Preparation Assistance Locations Page.
April 20 and April 27, 2010, Show Me the Money Educational Seminars:
The State Controller is co-hosting Show Me the Money educational seminars for State agency accounting office staff, program staff, and staff involved in the initiation and resolution of the payment process.
Unclaimed Property Web Language Project
State Controller Chiang has an ongoing project to add additional languages to our free Web site search tool for unclaimed property.
2009 In the Spotlight:
State Controller John Chiang Co-Hosts Free San José Small Business Tax Information Seminar
On Wednesday, December 2, Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free Small Business Tax Seminar in San José. This event includes information on key areas of interest including employment and tax issues for small business owners, local and regional business incentive programs and opportunities, enterprise zone tax credits, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Please join us! See our flyer for registration information and more details.
Controller Chiang Co-Hosts Free Riverside County Small Business Tax Seminar
On Thursday, November 19, Controller Chiang is co-hosting a Riverside County Small Business Tax Seminar. This free event in Corona includes important topics such as tax compliance; business opportunities; and federal, State and local business incentive programs available in the Inland Empire. Please see our flyer for registration information and more details!
Saturday, October 10, 2009: Take Control. Your Finances. Your Education. Your Future. Join us for free workshops and get connected with community organizations!
Saturday, October 10, 2009: Take Control. Your Finances. Your Education. Your Future. Join us for free workshops and get connected with community organizations!
Controller Chiang Co-Hosts free September 11, 2009, Los Angeles Tax Seminar for Non-Profit and Exempt Organizations
On Friday, September 11, Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free Los Angeles seminar for non-profit and exempt organizations. Attend this event and learn about such important topics as employment taxes, the new Form 990, compliance for existing non-profits, recent developments in charity law, and sales and use tax information for non-profit organizations. Please see our flyer for registration information and location details.
Controller Chiang Co-Hosts free August 28 Los Angeles Small Business Tax and Business Opportunities Seminar
On Friday, August 28, Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free Los Angeles Small Business Tax and Opportunities Seminar. Learn about the latest in tax law changes as well as business opportunities, incentives, tax credits and other programs to help small businesses during these challenging economic times. Please see our flyer for details and registration information.
Controller Chiang Co-Hosts Antelope Valley Small Business Tax Compliance and Regional Business Opportunities Seminar
On Tuesday, August 25, Controller Chiang is co-hosting a free Antelope Valley Small Business Tax Compliance and Regional Business Opportunities Seminar. This free event includes important topics such as green technology; enterprise zone tax credits and benefits; regional business opportunities; federal stimulus funds; and income, sales and use taxes. Please see our flyer for details.
Controller Chiang Co-Hosts Free July 10 Women's Financial Literacy, Business and Tax Seminar
On Friday, July 10, Controller Chiang co-hosted a free Women's Financial Literacy, Business and Tax Seminar. The event, held in Long Beach, included important topics such as State and federal resources to enhance small businesses and tax compliance, staying in business during difficult economic times, and financial planning in the current economy. Please see our flyer for details.
Chiang Co-Hosts Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Controller Chiang has been co-hosting free tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Please visit our Workshops and Seminars Page for details.
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