Free income tax assistance available to eligible residents

A tax form labeled '1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return' sits on a wooden table, with a spread of $100 bills visible underneath.

Free tax assistance can result in thousands of dollars in tax credits.

The County Transitional Assistance Department is partnering with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free tax preparation and e-filing services to eligible low- to moderate-income taxpayers throughout San Bernardino County.

The Voluntary Income Tax Assistance/Earned Income Tax Credit program, or VITA, provides free services to eligible individuals and families whose combined household earned income was less than $67,000 in 2024. If you worked in 2024, you may be eligible to receive the:

California Earned Income Tax Credit, for a refund of up to $3,644
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, for a refund of up to $7,830

Additionally, current and former foster youth may be eligible to receive the Foster Youth Tax Credit. Eligible foster youth may receive up to $1,154 in FYTC. 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 2024 tax year, and
Be eligible for the California Earned Income Tax Credit, and
Provide proof of dependency letter as required by the California Franchise Tax Board to verify foster youth status.

“A simple tax return has the power to transform a life, while a committed volunteer can make a difference in a community,” said Transitional Assistance Director James LoCurto.

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. For more information and to schedule your appointment at a VITA location near you, please visit the TAD website resources page or call 1-877-410-8829 for assistance.

Additional County Update News – Feb. 6, 2025