Health

Time is Running Out to File Your Taxes for Free

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If you would like to save money filing your income taxes, you have about one month left to free assistance at a County location.

Through April 18, more than 400 volunteers will be filing taxes electronically for low- income families and individuals. The tax preparation services are taking place at about 80 locations throughout the region. Call 2-1-1 to make an appointment at a location near you.

“This is a free service and clients could receive a refund in as little as two weeks since taxes are filed electronically,” said Nick Macchione, Director of the County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).

The tax assistance is part of the County’s annual Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign, which HHSA launched in 2003.

Individuals and families could qualify for as much as $5,600 in EITC tax credit if they worked in 2011 and earned less than $48,500. You must file a tax return to be eligible. The IRS estimates that about 20 to 25 percent of eligible individuals don’t claim their credit. Locally, about $77 million EITC dollars go unclaimed each year.

Last year, more than 43,000 federal and state returns were filed through the County’s EITC campaign, bringing $25 million to working families and the local economy. Nearly $8.2 million were EITC dollars.

At some locations, people who are having their taxes prepared can also have the option to be screened for CalFresh (food stamps) eligibility. Last year, 1,752 families and individuals were screened for CalFresh eligibility; 1,099 were potentially qualified to receive benefits. People can also apply for CalFresh by calling 2-1-1.

“Just like EITC helps put money back in the pockets of individuals and families, CalFresh benefits are a valuable resource that helps families put nutritious food on the table,” added Macchione.

Promoting healthy eating and encouraging financial independence are part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, a 10-year plan to improve the health and quality of life of local residents. For more information about the EITC Campaign, call 2-1-1.

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact