Did you call 2-1-1 and were told there are no more appointments available that fit your schedule?
Did you stop by one of our tax sites, only to find the walk-in wait was too long or that the day was already fully booked?
If that was your experience, you are not alone.
As we move into the final stretch of tax season, demand for free tax preparation services has been incredibly high across San Diego County. Our teams have worked hard to expand access, but the reality is that appointments fill quickly and walk-in capacity reaches its limit early in the day.
The good news is this: you can still file your taxes for free, safely, and on your own.
A Trusted Free Option: MyFreeTaxes
Dreams for Change is proud to partner with United Way of California, which offers MyFreeTaxes.org, a free, IRS-approved online tax filing platform.
If your household made less than $79,000, you likely qualify to file your taxes at no cost.
This is not a “lite” version or a trial. It is a full-service, secure platform designed to help you:
- File both federal and state taxes
- Claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit
- Avoid expensive filing fees and predatory services
- Receive your full refund as quickly as possible
How to File Your Taxes Online
Getting started is easier than you might think.
We recommend following this step-by-step guide from United Way of California:
https://www.myfreetaxes.org/resource/guide-to-filing-online/
You can also go directly to begin filing:
https://www.myfreetaxes.org
The system will walk you through each step, just like sitting down with a tax preparer.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
To make the process smoother, gather a few key documents:
Social Security Numbers or ITINs for everyone on your return
W-2s and/or 1099 forms
Records of unemployment income, if applicable
Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
Any childcare or education expense records
Having these ready will save time and reduce frustration.
Common Concerns, Answered
“I’ve never done my own taxes before.”
That’s okay. The platform is designed for first-time users and provides guidance every step of the way.
“I’m worried I’ll miss something.”
MyFreeTaxes includes built-in checks to help ensure you claim the credits you qualify for.
“Is this really free?”
Yes. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.
We’re Still Here to Help
While in-person appointments may be limited, our goal has always been the same: to make sure you receive every dollar you are eligible for.
If you are unable to secure an appointment, using MyFreeTaxes is the fastest and most reliable way to file before the deadline.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
The tax filing deadline is approaching quickly. Filing on time helps you:
- Avoid penalties and interest
- Receive your refund sooner
- Stay financially on track
If you’re ready to get started, visit:
https://www.myfreetaxes.org
At Dreams for Change, we believe access to free, reliable tax services is a critical part of financial stability. Whether you file with us in person or on your own online, we are here to support you every step of the way.
