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LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced the launch of this year's initiative to help working families get free tax preparation services and claim state and federal tax credits.
Free Tax Prep L.A. 2022 is offered through a partnership between the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department, the Koreatown Youth and Community Center and United Way of Greater L.A.
The initiative will help low-income households receive up to $10,000 in tax credits. Participants will be connected with experts and IRS-certified volunteers to help them file for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the CalEITC.
``No one should miss out on cash back because they can't afford tax preparation services -- but every year, hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed,'' said Garcetti.
``Free Tax Prep LA is here to help Angelenos take home the refunds they deserve and that can help to cover child care, housing and more.''
Like last year, the program has also expanded its services with safe drop-off locations in order to make it safer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
``The Community Investment for Families Department is proud to carry this program forward in its sixth year, ensuring access to not only free tax preparation services, but also a wealth of resources through our FamilySource Centers and partners,'' said Abigail Marquez, general manager of the Community Investment for Families Department.
``This year the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit were expanded to include more people, more families and more money. Through Free Tax Prep LA, we have a coordinated effort to bring more dollars back into the hands of low-income, working families.''
People are eligible for the program if they make under $57,000 a year.
The program also provides free legal services for audits and pyament plans, child care and utilities assistance, matched savings account programs, assistance with enrollment in state and federal support programs and immigration services.
More information, including a list of locations and hours for Free Tax Prep L.A., can be viewed at freetaxprepla.org. Assistance is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Persian, Armenian and Korean.