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Free Tax Preparation & Earned Income Tax Credit

Earn It! Keep It! Save It! VITA Program

Learn More. Earn More.

Visit VolunteerVenturaCounty.org to learn about and volunteer as a Tax Preparation Volunteer https://www.volunteerventuracounty.org/need/detail/?need_id=372430 or Intake/Screening volunteer  https://www.volunteerventuracounty.org/need/detail/?need_id=729049

Households earning up to $67,000 are eligible to use the free services of VITA.

Tax returns are prepared by trained volunteers certified by the IRS beginning February 1, 2025.

Documents needed to prepare return:

  • W-2 for all jobs worked in 2024
  • Copy of Social Security Card or ITIN for each family member
  • Copy of all 1099 forms for other income
  • Copy of picture ID for the taxpayer and spouse, if applicable
  • Copy of Form 1095-A for any month(s) covered by Covered CA, if applicable
  • Child Care provider information: Name, Address, and Tax ID, if available
  • Canceled check, bank statement, or verification from financial institution showing account number and routing number for direct deposit of tax refund
  • Copy of 2023 Tax return – pages 1 & 2, and Schedules 1, 2 & 3, if applicable

Please, copies only, no original documents.

IN PERSON – In-person tax preparation assistance is available by appointment only. Schedule your appointment at MyFreeTaxes.org or by dialing 2-1-1 after January 21, 2025

DROP-OFF – For assistance completing your taxes without an appointment, drop off an envelope marked VITA with copies of your tax documents at the front desk or in the secure mailbox at one of the following locations:

  • Ventura Community Service Center – 4651 Telephone Road, #200, Ventura
  • East County Community Service Center – 2900 N. Madera Rd., Simi Valley

Lobby hours are Monday-Thursday 8:30 am to 4 pm

Secure mailboxes available 24/7

In addition to the forms listed above the following Forms are Needed with Drop-Off:

VIRTUAL

To have your return prepared virtually by a tax volunteer online, visit GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway. You will need access to a smart phone or computer for uploading and downloading documents and ability to print.

MyFreeTaxes

One option for those with a simple return, (for example, a single filer with up to two W-2’s) you may file your taxes online for free at www.MyFreeTaxes.org. There is no income limit.

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases, put money in your pocket.

To qualify for the EITC, you must have worked during at least part of 2024 and meet certain income requirements.

You must file your taxes to receive the EITC, even if you did not earn enough money to be required to file.

The EITC benefit is retroactive for three years, so review whether you filed for the EITC in recent years. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have not filed for the previous three years you may be entitled to an even larger refund check!

Who Qualifies for CalEITC and Young Child Tax Credit?

If you have low income and work, you may qualify for CalEITC. This credit gives you a refund or reduces your tax owed.

If you meet the CalEITC requirement and have a child younger than 6 years old all of the 2024 tax year, you may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit. The maximum filers may receive is $1,083 per family.

Together, these state credits can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket. Filing your state tax return is required to claim both of these credits.

Check if you qualify for CalEITC

You may qualify for CalEITC if:

  • You’re at least 18 years old.
  • You have earned income of $31,950 or less

The amount of CalEITC you may get depends on your income and family size.

You must:

  • Have taxable earned income.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN for you, your spouse, or any qualifying children.
  • File jointly if married.
  • Have lived in California for more than 6 months in 2024.
  • Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

Sources of earned income

Income can be from:

  • W-2 wages.
  • Self-employment.
  • Tips.
  • Other employee wages subject to California withholding.

What you’ll get

Review the chart below to see how much you may get when you file your tax year 2024 return. The following income guidelines for the 2024 Tax Year will help you determine if you may be eligible for CalEITC. The threshold is based on tax year 2024 AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) limits.

HOW MUCH CAN I RECEIVE FROM CALEITC?

How much can I get back? – CalEITC Calculator

Will this affect my government benefits?

Participation in free tax preparation or any other additional services will not impact CalWORKS, CalFRESH, or Medi-Cal benefits.

Foster Youth Tax Credit

You may qualify for up to $1,117 cash back if you were in California foster care at age 13 or older and were ages 18-25 at the end of the tax year.

For more information, call 805.485.6288, x226.

Thank you to our generous program sponsor!