“Jake, a military veteran residing in San Diego County, scheduled an in-person appointment with the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. When he arrived at a nearby VITA site accompanied by his family, including his two young children, he didn’t know what to expect from the free tax preparation service. For Jake and his family, these services were more than just a convenience; they were a lifeline. Having recently purchased a home, they were eager about their new chapter in homeownership but were also diligently saving to support their growing family. Last year, Jake had to dig deep into his pockets to cover higher premiums due to his new tax situation, which significantly impacted their ability to save. Learning about the San Diego County EITC Coalition’s offer of free, in-person, guided tax preparation was a game-changer for Jake. Instantly recognizing the potential to save hundreds in filing fees and put more money back into his family’s pockets, Jake felt immense relief and gratitude for the support provided by the service.”