United Way of California

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Change lives and gain new skills as a VITA Volunteer!

Did you know the Earned Income Tax Credit is the #1 antipoverty program in the country, but 92% of paid preparers fail to claim these credits on behalf of their client? Millions of dollars aren’t reaching the hands of California families who are already struggling to make ends meet.

Fortunately, our growing group of VITA volunteers are here to help! Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers help ensure families get the money back they deserve, all by assisting clients to successfully complete and file their taxes.

The hours are flexible, you can work virtually or in-person, and no experience is necessary! You will receive free IRS-certified training, so you will gain a variety of new skills while you simultaneously help uplift struggling families in your community.

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to get connected with a training program in your area!

COVID-19

As we face these uncertain times it is important to remember there is always something that can be done to keep the promise of California For All. We are unwavering in our mission to fight for the health, education, and financial security of every person in every community. We are working with all stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure no California is denied the means to meet basic needs. 

• DONATE To the California United Ways COVID-19 Relief Fund
• GET HELP From COVID-19
• GIVE HELP For the California United Ways COVID-19 Relief Fund

COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our work. As a network that engages face-to-face with our communities, we have been innovating support and delivery methods during safer-at-home physical distancing. We need your help more than ever. Before this crisis, 37% of Californians struggled to meet their basic needs. And as you might imagine those who were most vulnerable before COVID-19, are the most vulnerable now: California families paying more than 30% of their income on housing, headed by single mothers, those with children under 6, those from communities of color, those without Social Security Numbers, without higher education, without subsidized healthcare, without internet access, without anti-poverty tax credits, and so forth, are counting on all of us to aspire to do more than “go back to normal.” 

If you are in a position to give to your neighbors and your neighbors’ neighbors down the road, please give. If you’re experiencing hardship please consider the following:

If you have not yet done so, use MyFreeTaxes.org to prepare + file your taxes for free. If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, (up to $6,557) or the California Earned Income Tax Credit, (up to $2,982) you can receive a direct deposit of the full amount of your refund within one week of filing. Also, you can text TAXES to 211 211 for more information.

If you have not yet done so, use our COVID resources page to access the online application for income substitution, (EDD UI/PFL/DI) a prepaid debit card to purchase food, (CalFresh/SNAP) subsidized or free healthcare including vision and dental, (Covered CA/Medi-Cal/Medicaid) and more. Click here to find out what you might qualify for.

If you have not yet done so, please text COVID to 211 211, so you can receive federal, statewide, and local information about testing availability, moratoriums on rent and other payments, and opportunities to receive cash or in-kind relief, as it becomes available. If you are unable to locate what you’re looking for by texting 211 211, you can always call 211, or your local United Way, as well as your county’s department of social services.