United Way of San Diego County, 211 San Diego, and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition filed over 48.4K federal and state tax returns, helping low-to-moderate-income individuals and families access tax credits to support the financial security of our community members.
San Diego, Calif. – Oct. 9, 2024 – United Way of San Diego County, 211 San Diego, Dreams for Change, and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition announced that a total of $38.9 million federal and state tax refunds were returned to local families and individuals during this year’s tax season. Through the collaboration of 45 partner organizations, the San Diego County EITC Coalition alleviates hefty tax-filing expenses by providing eligible San Diego County taxpayers with free tax preparation assistance while also helping to identify eligible tax credits.
“We’re proud to once again work with our Coalition partners in helping qualifying families and individuals in San Diego County with their tax preparation and assist them in claiming the credits they worked hard to earn. We’d like to emphasize that these vital resources are available at zero cost to qualifying low- and middle-income San Diego County residents. As a unified Coalition, we continue our education and outreach each year so that eligible tax credits aren’t left unclaimed,” says 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.”
Inflation, and the rising cost of groceries, gas, and other basic necessities have placed a huge financial burden on San Diegans who are already struggling to get by in the country’s most expensive city. Needless to say, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, which help low-to-moderate income individuals and families reduce the taxes they owe or increase their refund, enable families to put more money toward vital expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Taxpayers who qualify can also receive hundreds or even thousands of additional dollars back on their taxes with the state CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). This year, many San Diego County residents, particularly in underserved communities, faced significant financial hardship due to the devastating January storms and subsequent flooding, which left hundreds of families displaced. For this reason, it became crucial to return as much money as possible to our community’s taxpayers.
The EITC program is essential to alleviating some of the urgent financial burdens many San Diegans are experiencing and giving a financial boost to those facing hardship. Each year, the no-cost tax filing services provided by the Coalition help clients claim credits and get more money back to build a pathway toward financial stability. This year, the Coalition completed 48.8k federal and state tax returns, saving taxpayers over $9.2 million in tax preparation fees which typically cost about $350 per return.
“Tens of thousands of people rely on 2-1-1 each month, 24 hours a day, for help with critical needs like rent, healthcare, food, utilities, and more. By screening callers for eligibility for free tax preparation services and educating them about the CalEITC and other tax credits, we’re helping them keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets at a time when they need it most,” says William York, President and CEO, of 211 San Diego.
The Coalition has seen a consistent increase in the number of clients served each year, thanks to the dedicated efforts of participating organizations, highlighting their commitment to reaching and assisting diverse and underserved populations. The Coalition has made significant strides in increasing awareness and access to our services among hard-to-reach communities, including individuals whose primary language is not English, those facing accessibility challenges, and people without a Social Security Number.
“We are committed to continuing to make our free tax services accessible to San Diegans. Dreams for Change offers locations countywide, as well as virtual and in-person services in multiple languages, self-filing options, as well as transportation through 211 San Diego. In the past year, the Coalition has expanded and now operates 29 tax sites throughout all of San Diego County. We’re proud to be part of the Coalition, and to help individuals and families get money back through the EITC which is considered one of the largest and most powerful anti-poverty programs in the nation,” says Teresa Smith, CEO of Dreams for Change.
With funding from the County Health and Human Services Agency’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) and other sources, Dreams for Change provides critical tax site coordination and training services.
To further enhance access during this tax season, the Coalition implemented several key initiatives:
- Educational materials were provided in 20 languages.
- Both virtual and in-person appointments were available.
- Increased mobile tax sites were launched to help underserved and hard-to-reach
populations.
- Transportation vouchers were offered to ensure clients could reach our tax sites.
- Assistance was provided in obtaining and filing with an Individual Tax
Identification Number (ITIN) for those without a Social Security Number. These initiatives underscore the San Diego County EITC Coalition’s dedication to serving all community members, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to access vital tax services.
According to 211 San Diego, there was a 54 percent increase in new families and individuals screened to benefit from the free tax services offered by the San Diego County EITC Coalition this year. The eligibility requirement was increased this tax season from $60,000 to $64,000 a year, to account for rising inflation.
“This is my third year getting my taxes prepared at a Dreams for Change tax site, which I was referred to by 211 San Diego. I really recommend these services for anybody in the community because they’re free and prompt. The questions the tax preparer asks are easy and the representatives are helpful. It’s a reliable service with various recreational centers and other locations in the community,” says Aja Fountain, a returning client. She shared that the money she saved and received back in tax credits through the free tax assistance service will allow her to shop for her daughter’s school Supplies.
This year, the Internal Revenue Service extended the tax-filing deadline for San Diego residents to June 17, 2024, to account for those affected by severe storms and flooding that began in January 2024. Individuals who have not yet filed this year may still qualify for a tax-filing extension. For more information on how to get free tax assistance, individuals are encouraged to call 2-1-1 or visit myfreetaxes.org.
About the Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition
For over 23 years, United Way of San Diego County has led the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, offering free tax preparation assistance and education about life-changing tax credits to local families earning a low-to-moderate-income.
The Coalition is made up of over 40 collaborative partner organizations, and together, these organizations implement critical and complementary services, including free tax preparation assistance services, technical assistance for self-filing, outreach & education, and capacity-building support that help San Diego County families maximize their refund via the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other credits.
About United Way of San Diego County
For over 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has remained devoted to its mission of sparking breakthrough community action that elevates every child, individual, and family toward a brighter future. Today, in partnership with local organizations, leaders, and community members, UWSD uses innovation, leveraged resources, and community-based strategy to resolve inequities and transform lives. United Way of San Diego County is passionately committed to addressing institutional disparities through the implementation of economic and educational initiatives.
Supporting United Way of San Diego County means investing in children’s success from an early age and providing holistic family economic support so that all San Diegans can thrive. The nonprofit’s current programs focus on education and literacy support for early learners, college and career pathways for high school students, and tax assistance initiatives that enhance economic mobility for individuals and families. United Way of San Diego County believes that together, we can face critical challenges and build a stronger, more equitable community. United with community partners, UWSD cultivates a collective passion for deep systemic change, and impacts the lives of San Diegans county-wide. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org and following @unitedwaysd on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
About 211 San Diego
211 San Diego is a local nonprofit organization, connecting people to the community and health services they need. Its mission is to seamlessly connect people to resources, and partner with the community to transform how people access help. 211 San Diego manages a database of free or low-cost services available in San Diego County and operates a multilingual contact center with trained staff who use this database to help those who call 2-1-1 to find available services. Learn more about 211 San Diego by visiting 211sandiego.org and following @211San Diego or @211SD on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About Dreams for Change
Dreams For Change’s mission is to respond to the needs of the community by creating innovative and cost-effective programs that empower and stabilize the lives of underserved families and individuals. Supporting people on their path to stability is a multi-step process. Dreams for Change (DFC) is modeled around 3 Pathways to building financial and housing stability. These pathways are supportive services, access to employment, and increasing financial health. DFC accomplishes this work through case management, safety, financial education, ensuring individuals receive their tax credits, and workforce training. Asset building strategies are core to all the services we provide and guide our work in addressing homeless and poverty issues.
About County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency
The County-HHSA is dedicated to promoting the health, safety and well-being of the community. The County works to enhance the quality of life for San Diego residents and is committed to engaging with the community through partnerships, outreach efforts and feedback. By collaborating with local organizations, stakeholders and residents, the County strives to ensure that services are responsive to the needs of the community. HHSA provides Community Services Block Grant funding for the San Diego EITC Coalition. The grant is administered by the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) in support of the – Community Action Partnership’s efforts to provide economic opportunities that help low-income residents have an opportunity to be self-sufficient.
Media Contacts
Ann Marie Price
Scatena Daniels
annmarie@scatenadaniels.com
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