How San Diegans Can Get Their Share of Millions in Unclaimed Tax Credits

Family with father, mother and two young kids holding an EITC Coalition sign that says "What does this refund mean to you?" and they wrote "DEBT RELIEF"

For many San Diegans, “Tax Season” brings a sense of dread. But what if this year was different? Imagine filing your taxes for free and claiming up to thousands of dollars in tax credits designed to put money back in your pocket and help your family thrive.

As the cost of living in San Diego County continues to climb, every dollar counts. Yet every year, millions of dollars in life-changing benefits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), go unclaimed.

At United Way of San Diego County, we believe that money belongs to you. Through our San Diego County EITC Coalition, we help low- to- moderate-income individuals and families receive free tax preparation services that help them unlock valuable tax credits.

What is the EITC (and why should you care)?

Woman smiling holding an EITC Coalition sign that says "What does this refund mean to you?" and she wrote "PEACE OF MIND"

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit designed to support working individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. In California, we also have the CalEITC state credit, which can provide even more cash back. These tax credits and others can help working families get a larger tax refund or reduce the amount they owe.

These aren’t just “breaks” on your tax bill; they are refundable credits. This means even if you don’t owe any taxes, you could still receive a check for up to thousands of dollars. For a family with three or more children, the combined federal and state credits can result in a significant refund that can be used for rent, car repairs, groceries, or saving for the future.

The $350 Advantage: Free Tax Prep You Can Trust

Did you know the average commercial tax preparation fee is roughly $350? For many families in San Diego, that is a full week of groceries or a critical utility bill.

United Way of San Diego County’s EITC Coalition, in partnership with 49 collaborative community partners, offers free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Last year, the EITC Coalition saved San Diegans an estimated $8.6 million in tax prep fees.

But “free” doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality. Our IRS-certified VITA volunteers are specifically trained to identify credits that are frequently missed by professional tax preparers, commercial software, or DIY tools. They ensure you receive your maximum refund without paying a dime in fees.

In fact, last year alone, our EITC Coalition helped return over $34.3 million to San Diego County residents.

If your household earned $70,000 or less last year, you likely qualify for these free tax preparation services in San Diego County.

Inclusion for all San Diegans. Nosotros hablamos español!

Senior man and woman smiling holding an EITC Coalition sign that says "What does this refund mean to you?" and they wrote an answer in Spanish.

Our EITC Coalition is proud to serve our diverse community, offering services in Spanish and other languages. We also prepare taxes for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) filers, some of whom may be eligible for the CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit. We are dedicated to helping people in our entire San Diego County access the credits they’ve earned through their hard work.

How to Get Your Free Tax Prep & Possible EITC Credit

Ready to get started? We’ve made the process simple and accessible across San Diego County:

  1. Check Your Eligibility: Visit MyFreeTaxes.org (FAQs) or call 2-1-1 to see if you qualify for free filing.
  2. Find a Location: Call 2-1-1 or visit MyFreeTaxes.org to find a VITA site near you and book your appointment. We’ve got locations from Chula Vista to Vista and everywhere in between.
  3. Gather Your Documents: You’ll need a photo ID, Social Security or ITIN cards for everyone on the return, and all income statements (W-2s, 1099s). Check out this Tax Preparation Checklist for more details.
  4. File with Confidence: Sit down with a certified tax prep volunteer who will walk you through the process and file your return electronically for a faster refund.

Let’s Boost San Diego County Together

Smiling VITA volunteer next to a "Free Tax Prep San Diego" sign sitting at a desk ready to help a client.

Last year, our EITC Coalition helped return over $34.3 million to San Diego County residents. That’s money that stays in our local economy, supports our small businesses, and stabilizes our neighborhoods.

Don’t leave your money on the table this year. Let United Way of San Diego County and our EITC Coalition help you get the refund you deserve. To find out if you qualify, call 2-1-1 to get started.