Photo courtesy of the United Way of Ventura County.
VENTURA — Tax season is over and many low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents took advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) led by United Way of Ventura County in partnership with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency and the IRS.
Throughout February to April 30, 2026, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers helped working families and individuals file their state and federal tax returns and access the tax credits for which they are eligible. Households earning up to $69,000 are eligible to use the free services.
Our 128 VITA volunteers interacted directly with those in our community that needed help the most, which is lifechanging for the volunteers and those they help. These volunteers made possible the following: 1) 2,232 tax returns filed which resulted in 2) $2,370,720 in refunds for our Ventura County low-income families/individuals including $796,138 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), considered to be the nation’s most effective anti-poverty program. Additionally, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help reduce tax liability and, in many cases, save money. To qualify for the EITC, individuals must have worked at least part of 2025 and meet certain income requirements.
CalEITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $31,950 regardless of qualifying children. Tax filers with an ITIN or Social Security Number are eligible for CalEITC. California EITC requires earned income reported on a W-2 form, such as wages, salaries, and tips, and self-employment income (such as 1099 and cash-earnings). Together, these state and federal credits put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families which flow back into our economy!
Eight locations in Ventura County opened up their office/space and computers for volunteers to do this important work: California Lutheran University, Oxnard Campus, East County Community Service Center, Many Mansions Hillcrest Villas, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College (Santa Paula), Ventura Community Service Center, and United Way of Ventura County.
Royal Business Bank, the County of Ventura Human Services Agency’s VITA grant, and grant dollars provided through United Ways of California funded VITA this year. For more information, or to join us next year, call (805) 485-6288 and ask for Susan.
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. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. United is the Way. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org