The IRC will once again operate a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. From January 27 to April 15, 2025, VITA can help you file your taxes for FREE. Appointments will be available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Households that earned up to $67,000 in 2024 may qualify for services if they have an SSN or ITIN, valid Identification, and supporting documentation to prepare their tax return for free. If you file taxes, you may qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and other state and federal tax credits.
To qualify for CalEITC you must meet all of the following requirements during the tax year:
You’re at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child
Have earned income of at least $1.00 and not more than $30,950
Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children
Live in California for more than half the filing year
Not be eligible to be claimed as a qualifying child of another taxpayer
Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child
Married/registered domestic partner (RDP) filing separately filers must meet all of the following requirements:
Had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of the tax year and you lived apart from your spouse/RDP for the last 6 months of the tax year, or you are legally separated by state law under a written separation agreement or a decree of separate maintenance and you did not live in the same household as your spouse/RDP at the end of the tax year
You may also qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit if you also have children under 6 years old at the end of the tax year
Learn about the eligibility of services, the CalEITC, and how to schedule an appointment in the videos below:
Tax preparation services will be available by appointment starting January 27. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 211 or visiting www.myfreetaxes.org beginning January 14th. If you would like to book an appointment for tax season sooner or have questions about the VITA services, please email Kaasuu.Ejeta@rescue.org.
All tax appointments will be in person at the IRC office in El Cajon: 131 East Main Street, 2nd Floor, El Cajon, CA 92020 (office entrance and parking are available in the back of the building).