Income tax preparation continues to be available
on a limited basis.

To have your return prepared by a volunteer using our online platform please use the link GetYourRefund.org/vcunitedway

To schedule an appointment at the United Way office please call 805/485-6288 x226.

• W-2 for all jobs worked in 2025
• 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 2024 Tax return – pages 1 & 2, and Schedules 1, 2 & 3, if applicable

Please, copies only, no original documents.

For Immediate Release                                            

VITA Program Volunteers prepare thousands of free tax returns resulting in
$2,300,000+ in refunds

Ventura, CA, May 18, 2026 – Tax season is over and many low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents took advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) led by United Way of Ventura County in partnership with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency and the IRS..

Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers helped working families and individuals file their state and federal tax returns and access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.

Our 128 VITA volunteers interacted directly with those in our community that needed help the most, which is lifechanging for the volunteers and those they help. These volunteers made possible the following: 1) 2,232 tax returns filed which resulted in 2) $2,370,720 in refunds for our Ventura County low-income families/individuals including $796,138 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), considered to be the nation’s most effective anti-poverty program. Additionally, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help reduce tax liability and, in many cases, save money. To qualify for the EITC, individuals must have worked at least part of 2025 and meet certain income requirements.

CalEITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $31,950 regardless of qualifying children. Tax filers with an ITIN or Social Security Number are eligible for CalEITC. California EITC requires earned income reported on a W-2 form, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and self-employment income (such as 1099 and cash-earnings). Together, these state and federal credits put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families which flow back into our economy!

Eight locations in Ventura County opened up their office/space and computers for volunteers to do this important work: California Lutheran University, Oxnard Campus, East County Community Service Center, Many Mansions Hillcrest Villas, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College (Santa Paula), Ventura Community Service Center, and United Way of Ventura County.

Royal Business Bank, the County of Ventura Human Services Agency’s VITA grant, and grant dollars provided through United Ways of California funded VITA this year. For more information, or to join us next year, call (805) 485-6288 and ask for Susan.

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.