Tens of millions of dollars have come back to San Diego County households as part of a coalition that annually aids taxpayers.
Residents received a total of $38.9 million in federal and state refunds this tax season with help from the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, comprised of 45 organizations. Members support taxpayers by connecting them to free tax preparation and finding them eligible tax credits.
“We’d like to emphasize that these vital resources are available at zero cost to qualifying low- and middle-income San Diego County residents,” said Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County. “The heartfelt stories we hear from clients each year show how they’ve seen the benefits for themselves in ways that are more significant than you can imagine. Their returns often make the difference in getting through one month to the next.”
Qualifying taxpayers can access the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit as well as state credits such as CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit, according to the coalition.
Coalition members helped residents with over 48,000 federal and state tax returns this year – up from just under 47,000 in 2023 – saving them an estimated $9.2 million in tax preparation fees, according to a coalition statement.
This is based on a typical tax prep fee of $350.
According to 211 San Diego, there was a 54% increase in new families and individuals applying for free tax services offered by the coalition this year.
The eligibility requirement for household incomes was increased this tax season from $60,000 to $64,000 a year, to account for rising inflation.
To make the services more accessible this year, the coalition provided materials in 20 languages, offered both in-person and virtual appointments and provided transportation vouchers to reach tax sites. Members also offered assistance in obtaining and filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number for those who lack a Social Security Number.
