Tax Season Is Here. We’re Here to Help.
Tax season can be stressful. Add changing rules and half true headlines, and it can feel overwhelming fast. If you or your household earned less than $70,000 last year, free, trusted tax help may be available through Dreams for Change.
We provide free tax preparation support in San Diego County and Imperial Valley, including El Centro, and we are proud members of the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition. Our goal is simple. Help people file accurate returns and access the credits they may qualify for.
Here’s what’s new this tax season and what to know before your appointment.
Who Can Get Free Tax Help
Free tax preparation may be available to individuals or households who earned under $70,000 during the tax year. Eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit depends on income, filing status, and household size. The only way to know for sure is to file.
You can schedule an appointment by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting www.DreamsForChange.org and clicking Get Tax Help. Both options connect you to the same services.
What’s Different This Year
One change many people will notice is how refunds are issued. The IRS is continuing to move away from paper checks. Most refunds are now sent by direct deposit or other secure electronic methods.
If you have a bank account, bringing your routing and account numbers to your appointment can help your refund arrive faster.
No bank account? You still have options. Refunds may be issued through prepaid debit cards or other approved electronic methods. In limited situations, the IRS may still allow exceptions.
If you can, take a little time now to get ready. Make sure you have your banking information handy or consider opening a free or low cost account. Resources like FDIC.gov/GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov can help you find safe options. Your Dreams for Change tax preparer can also help you talk through what works best for you.
You may also be hearing a lot about taxes on overtime and tips. Some of that information has been oversimplified.
Overtime and Tips. What Actually Applies in California
Recent federal law changed how certain overtime pay and tips are treated for federal income taxes. These changes are limited and do not apply in every situation. How income is earned and reported matters. Some income may still be subject to other federal taxes, including Social Security and Medicare.
What’s important to know is that California tax law has not changed.
In California, overtime pay is still taxable. Tips are still taxable. Even if some income is treated differently at the federal level, it still must be reported on California tax returns. Filing correctly helps avoid delays and problems later.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Bring a photo ID, Social Security card, or ITIN documentation for everyone on the return, W-2s or 1099s, records of tips or gig work, unemployment or Social Security statements, bank information for direct deposit, last year’s tax return, and any letters from the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board.
Missing something? Ask 211 for alternative items.
Why Filing Still Matters
Filing a tax return can mean refunds you didn’t know you qualified for. It can also help determine eligibility for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and provide income documentation needed for housing, benefits, or other programs.
Even if you think you don’t owe anything, filing may still benefit you.
How to Get Started
Free, trusted tax help is available through Dreams for Change in San Diego County and Imperial Valley, including El Centro.
Call 2-1-1 or visit www.DreamsForChange.org and click Get Tax Help to schedule an appointment. Both options provide the same access to services.
