LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Mayor Eric Garcetti has 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. 2021 is offered through a partnership between the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department, Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, 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.
Garcetti noted that 2021 is the first year that immigrant Individual Taxpayer Identification Number filers will be eligible for California’s Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit.
Tax season this year also begins two weeks later than usual, on Feb. 12. The campaign will begin on Feb. 8 to get the word out about the available tax credits.The program has also expanded its services with drop-off and drive-thru locations, virtual and phone bank assistance, and Facebook Live panels with the IRS in order to make things safer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I implore our city’s immigrant community to take advantage of these new tax credits that reward their hard work and put potentially thousands of dollars back in their hands,” City Council President Nury Martinez said.
More information, including a list of locations and hours for Free Tax Prep L.A., can be viewed at www.freetaxprepla.com. Assistance is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, Persian, Armenian and Korean.