Guest Column: Resources for Free Tax Preparation and Advice from the State Controller

State Controller John Chiang

John Chiang
California State Controller

The New Year promises little for many California families.  An economy spiraling downwards has left pay cuts, foreclosures and layoffs in its trail, while charitable aid has diminished and State programs are losing funding.  But one program, which uses a combination of Federal dollars and volunteer labor, aims to make a real difference in the lives of struggling families.

Since January, volunteers across the State have been preparing tax returns for working families who don't have the resources to hire an accountant or other tax professional. The federal program, called Voluntary Income Tax Assistance or “VITA,” allows families to take their financial records to a volunteer site, and then have their state and federal returns completed and filed all in one visit.

No cost, and no worries, because you have experienced volunteers with you to help avoid errors and answer your questions.

This help can be found in churches, libraries, veteran's halls, and other public sites across California, including my Los Angeles office.

I'm a long-time supporter of this program and its work on behalf of lower income taxpayers - because those taxpayers have the most to lose by not filing a return.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other allowances are only available to those who file a return to show their eligibility. The Internal Revenue Service estimates that at least one in four eligible taxpayers will miss out on the EITC, leaving up to $4,824 on the table.

That credit can make a huge difference to families who are short on resources, especially in today's difficult economy.

This is real money that can make a real difference in the lives of working families. Our goal is to serve as many taxpayers, in as many locations, as possible.

But few of these taxpayers could be helped without the support of groups such as the United Domestic Workers, who generously offered their facilities to support these efforts.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this service, please visit www.sco.ca.gov and click on “Tax Assistance” for more information. You can also call us directly at (213) 833-6010 to find help sites and schedule an appointment.