VENTURA — CalEITC Awareness Week is a statewide effort to ensure that eligible working families and individuals are aware of and able to claim, the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), the federal EITC, the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) and other impactful state and federal tax credits.
These tax credits put critical dollars back into local economies via the pockets of Californians who need them the most – helping families cover rent, groceries, transportation, child care, and other essentials needs. The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is a refundable tax credit and along with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, is one of the most effective tools we have to fight poverty in California.
Thirty-three percent (33%) of households in Ventura County struggle to meet basic needs, according to the United Ways of California’s Real Cost Measure. The majority of these households have at least one working adult. The California Earned Income Tax Credit could help families improve their financial stability now and into the future.
In California, immigrants pay roughly $8.5 billion annually in state and local taxes – these taxes fund critical public services and infrastructure Californians depend on. ITIN holders are ineligible for the majority of federal tax benefits, but California has made the groundbreaking decision to expand benefits like the CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and the Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) to ITIN holders who meet eligibility requirements.
Among those eligible for the CalEITC, fifty-four percent (54%) are female head of households. The state EITC outreach and education ensures the most economically vulnerable Californians are reached.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program led by United Way of Ventura County and the Human Services Agency of the County of Ventura will be preparing tax returns at no charge for households earning less than $69,000. In addition to preparing and e-filing the return, trained volunteer tax preparers make sure that households receive all the tax credits for which they are eligible. For tax year 2024, 594 VITA clients earning less than $31,950 received a total of $127,613 in CalEITC. Beginning February 3, tax preparation services begin at eight in-person sites across Ventura County. Appointments can be scheduled by dialing 211 or self-scheduling at MyFreeTaxes.org. For more information visit https://vcunitedway.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/
About United Way of Ventura County
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our areas of focus are Financial Security, Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Community Resiliency. These are essential building blocks for a good quality of life. We support local services and programs that are more than just ‘stop gap’ measures, but solutions that help create lasting change. We invite everyone to be part of the change. Get Involved, Give Back, Take Action. UNITED IS THE WAY. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org