Free Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services available to income-eligible residents and foster youth

An image of dollar bills and U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 1040 forms lying on a wooden table. — *Eligible individuals and families are encouraged to call 877-410-8829 to schedule an income tax appointment before the April 15 deadline.*

The San Bernardino County Transitional Assistance Department is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide free tax preparation and e-filing services to eligible low- to moderate-income taxpayers throughout the county. The VITA/Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program provides free services to eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $69,000 in 2025. If you worked in 2025, you may be eligible to receive the:

California Earned Income Tax Credit, for a refund of up to $3,756.
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, for a refund of up to $8,046.

Additionally, current and former foster youth may qualify for the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) and could receive up to $1,189. To qualify, you must:

Have been in foster care at age 13 or older and placed through the California Foster Care System, and
Be between 18 to 25 years old at the end of the 2025 tax year, and
Be eligible for the California EITC, and
Provide proof of a dependency letter as the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) requires foster youth status to be verified.

“Access to accurate tax preparation and dedicated volunteers creates meaningful change for individuals and communities,” said James LoCurto, director of Transitional Assistance.

The deadline to file tax returns is April 15, 2026.

Federal and California state returns are prepared and e-filed by IRS-certified tax preparers. Day and evening appointments are available Monday through Friday, and Saturday appointments are available as well. VITA services are offered at many of our Transitional Assistance offices and additional mobile locations. For more information and to schedule your appointment at a VITA location near you, please visit wp.sbcounty.gov/tad/resources or call 877-410-8829 for assistance.

Additional County Update News – Feb. 26, 2026