Free Tax Assistance Program to Help Taxpayers Claim Thousands of Dollars

If you earned less than $53,267 in 2015, the federal government may owe you up to $6,242; and if you earned less than $13,870, the State of California may owe you an additional amount of up to $2,653. Learn more about your eligibility for this money and how to claim it by attending one of Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome Horton’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Mega Days (also known as the Free Income Tax Preparation and Family Resource Fair events) hosted by the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization, local colleges, and elected officials throughout tax season. To register, call 1-866-910-9559. To find other VITA locations, visit www.boe.ca.gov/vita. The VITA Mega Day schedule will begin on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016, at California State University, Dominguez Hills. This will be the first of at least 17 Mega events that will feature free all-day tax preparation in addition to workforce and family services. Attendees will receive tax preparation assistance and information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Individuals who are eligible can qualify for as much as $6,242 in federal EITC, and as much as $2,653 in the new California EITC. Family services that will be available include financial literacy training, job preparation assistance, food and nutrition services, low-cost and free medical services, and health screenings. BOE’s VITA program will also include tax preparation services at BOE district offices. Beginning Jan. 25, 2016, free tax assistance will be offered in West Covina (Mondays), Culver City (Tuesdays), Norwalk (Wednesdays), and Glendale (Fridays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Through the BOE’s partnership with the United Way, assistance will also be offered at various offices throughout Ventura County. Taxpayers should bring proof of identification including social security cards, wage and earning statement(s) from employers, interest and dividend statements from banks, bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, and a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available. All workforce and family services will be free and open to the public. Language assistance will be available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.