VENTURA — Tax season is upon us and low- to moderate-income Ventura County residents are encouraged to take advantage of ways to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Throughout February to April 30, 2022, trained VITA volunteer tax preparers will help working families and individuals file their state and federal tax return and access the tax credits to which they are eligible. Households earning up to $57,000 in 2021 are eligible to use the free services.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families and individuals. The EITC can help you reduce your tax liability and, in many cases, save you money. To qualify for the EITC, you must have worked at least part of 2021 and meet certain income requirements.
In addition to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the state Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is also available to families and individuals in California. CalEITC is available for households with adjusted gross incomes of less than $30,000 regardless of qualifying children. Tax filers with an ITIN or Social Security Number are eligible for the 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 can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into the pockets of individuals and families.
IN-PERSON – In-person tax preparation assistance is available by appointment only. You can self-schedule an appointment by visiting www.MyFreeTaxes.org. A list of sites and available dates and hours is provided. If you need assistance scheduling your appointment, you can call 211.
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements and limited space at the VITA sites, we ask that only the tax filer(s) attend the appointment and not any additional family members. If filing a joint return both filers need to be present.
Some locations will not open until mid-February.
- East County Community Service Center – 2900 N. Madera Road, Simi Valley
- Many Mansions Hillcrest Villas – 2726 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
- Oxnard College – 4000 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard
- United Way of Ventura County – 702 County Square Drive, Ste. 100, Ventura
- Ventura Community Service Center – 4651 Telephone Road, #200, Ventura