Time to get free tax help in California is running out. Here’s why you should file now

Maya Miller
·4 min read

Time flies, and tax filing day is just around the corner. The sooner you file your return, the faster you’ll get any refunds you’re owed.

Some Californians are eligible for free help through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Due to limited funding though, these in-person clinics won’t be open for much longer. If you need help, you should make an appointment as soon as possible. Read on to find out how.

When are taxes due and why file early?

The Internal Revenue Service announced recently that Californians living in storm-damaged and flood-affected areas have until Oct. 16, 2023 to file their taxes. The only counties excluded from this extension are Lassen, Modoc and Shasta, where residents still must meet the April 18 deadline. You don’t need any special documentation or proof to receive the extension.

You might wonder: Why should I rush to file my taxes now?

Procrastination might be tempting, but to expedite your refund, you should file sooner rather than later. The United Ways of California, which operates a network of free volunteer tax preparation sites, also strongly encourages lower-income families to file now – especially if they need extra assistance.

Am I eligible for free tax help?

If you earned less than $60,000 in 2022, then you qualify for free in-person assistance from a VITA volunteer tax preparer. For new taxpayers and those who don’t speak English as a first language, it might be especially helpful to have an expert walk you through some of the more convoluted tax forms.

But to get this free in-person help, you’ll have to act fast. Most sites close after April 18, and spots are filling up quickly.

“In-person availability will be extremely limited after the April 18 deadline,” said Mandy Nand, economic mobility program manager for United Ways of California. “That’s why we’re encouraging people to file now.”

Virtual tax preparation assistance is available to Californians who earned less than $66,000 in 2022.

If you earned more than $66,000, don’t worry – you can also file both state and federal returns for free at myfreetaxes.com using self-guided software. Taxpayers who earned under $76,000 will be directed to TaxSlayer, while those who earned more than that amount will use Cash App Taxes.

Where to get free tax help in Sacramento?

Check the map below for in-person VITA tax sites near you. Many sites are bookable by calling Sacramento’s 211 assistance line. In-person appointments are quickly filling up, so call as soon as possible for the best chance of securing a spot.

You can also visit myfreetaxes.org to schedule an in-person or virtual meeting with a volunteer.

For those who can’t score appointments ahead of time, United Way California Capital Region will host its final “Super Saturday” walk-in tax prep clinic on April 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grant Union High School.

What do I need to bring?

If you do schedule an in-person appointment with a VITA volunteer, here’s what you’ll need to bring with you for your meeting:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID).

  • A valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each member of your household.

  • Wage and earning statements (such as W-2s and 1099s) from 2022.

  • A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check.

  • If applicable, the total amount paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number, such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

How much money could I receive from filing my taxes?

The size of your tax refund will depend on the credits and deductions for which you could qualify. Many lower-income residents and families are eligible for earned income tax credits and child tax credits through the state and federal government.

Use this calculator to estimate how big of a refund your family could earn by filing a tax return.

In California, households that make less than $30,000 qualify for the California Earned Income Tax Credit (Cal EITC), and those with children under 6 can receive the California Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). You can qualify for these refundable credits with either a Social Security number or an ITIN.

Taxpayers with Social Security numbers can also qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Eligibility depends on filing status and family size, and you can determine your eligibility using the 2023 IRS tables.