Once again, we are pleased to help lead the charge with OC Free Tax Prep campaign in partnership with the IRS and more than 30 local organizations. Together we engage and train over 300 volunteers who offer free tax preparation services countywide to hard-working, qualified individuals and families with a household income of $60,000 or less. The campaign focuses on building awareness and access to the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program along with increasing awareness and utilization of MyFreeTaxes.com, a free online service for those who wish to file on their own.
Preparing tax returns can be daunting and for residents struggling to make ends meet, it can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Luckily, the OC Free Tax Prep campaign is helping low-income families get the refunds and credits they’ve earned. “Each year it’s incredibly gratifying to know that we are directly making a difference for so many families in our community that benefit from the much-needed returns they deserve,” noted Brenyale Toomer-Byas, Income Director, Orange County United Way.
Many Orange County residents have benefited from this campaign including Javier Ruiz, a returning client, who said, “I have been coming to OC Free Tax Prep for about five years now, and have returned due to the great customer service.”
Or take Young Ae Kim, a single mother with a part-time job who was struggling to pay her bills, due to not only her own health condition, but the mounting costs for a family member’s nursing home care. “But then there was an opening that came with relief,” Kim said. “I received free tax return service from warm and welcoming volunteers that helped me through the thick and thin. I was happy to hear that I would receive $4,305 in my bank within 2 weeks. I was able to take care of my rent and utilities with my tax refund. I just do not have the words to express my gratitude for VITA Volunteers.”
To learn more about the OC Free Tax Prep Campaign and if you or anyone you know could be eligible to get their taxes done for free, please visit our website.
