If you earn up to $69,000 a year, the Free Tax Prep Los Angeles campaign helps you not only with tax preparation but also with getting the maximum refund you're entitled to, in your own language.

“One in five Angelenos hasn't been preparing their taxes, and they're missing out on money. It could be due to lack of awareness, because they're immigrants, or because they're not “familiar with the system,” said Claudia Alaix, Outreach Campaign Specialist at Free Tax Prep Los Angeles, in an interview with La Opinion. Regarding the fear among immigrants who file their taxes using an ITIN of being reported to immigration authorities, she said that a federal judge blocked the collaboration between the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) that would have allowed the sharing of confidential taxpayer information with immigration law enforcement. Therefore, Alaix said that taxpayer information is safe. The most important changes: The campaign spokesperson said that one of the most important changes for this tax season, which began on January 29 and ends on April 15, is related to the child tax credit. "Previously, only a social security card was required for the child; now, one of the parents is required to have a social security card. This will impact undocumented families with ITINs."

He said, however, that the good news is that this change only applies to federal tax returns, not state returns.

The other change this year is that the IRS eliminated Direct File, an online tool that allowed many taxpayers to file their tax returns directly on the IRS website for free.

Completely free

Alaix reminded Angelenos that tax preparation through the Tax Prep LA campaign is completely free in the city and county of Los Angeles.

“We have more than 100 locations where people can go. It is recommended to make an appointment online, and they can also call 1-800-906-9887 to find the location nearest them.”

She specified that when making an appointment, they are informed what documents they need to bring and what the requirements are.

“These are: the maximum income to receive free assistance is $69,000,and when they are married, the returns must be filed jointly, not separately.”

Other essential requirements are to bring a valid photo ID; a Social Security card or ITIN; Form 1099 or W-2; if they are self-employed, they must bring a record of all their income and expenses; And if they purchased health coverage through Covered California, they must bring Form 1095-A. want the refund deposited.

Another important change this year is that the IRS will no longer send refunds via paper check.

“Everything will be delivered electronically. That's why it's important that everyone has a bank account.”

What is Free Tax Prep LA?

“It's a campaign with the City and County of Los Angeles, Koreatown Youth + Community Center, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles; and all the VITA sites where you can go to get your taxes prepared are community organizations,” said Alaix.

She pointed out that help is available in Spanish, English, and many other languages.

“It's not like going to a private place. It's not a transaction. We welcome people and serve them in their own language. We establish a closer, more community-oriented relationship, and we're going to make sure they get the refund they're entitled to.”

She clarified that immigration status is never inquired about.

On January 29, the Free Tax Prep LA campaign kicked off tax season with an event in Koreatown highlighting that one in five eligible people in Los Angeles don't claim tax credits, leaving up to $579 million unclaimed each year.

During California Income Tax Credit Awareness Week (CalEITC), Free Tax Prep LA (FTPLA) commemorated ten years of helping families obtain tax refunds and credits that can exceed $10,000 to cover essential expenses at a time when the cost of living crisis is reaching unprecedented levels.

Angels Benefited

Free Tax Prep LA (FTPLA) has helped more than 118,000 Angels to claim more than $76 million in tax credits and more than $100 million in total refunds. support programs, such as a savings incentive program, which have been key to my financial stability, especially after the pandemic,” said Oscar Valdez. “This program not only helped me with my taxes, it helped me get ahead, take care of my family, and build a better future,” he said. Through this program, he was referred to rental assistance programs, was able to maintain his home and business, received support from the food distribution program, and even received assistance in becoming a citizen.They sent him to a family center where he received free legal assistance, help filling out forms, and information on application fees. For more information, visit https://www.freetaxprepla.com/es.