The City of Irvine, in partnership with Orange County United Way (OCUW), is offering free tax preparation services to taxpayers who earned less than $60,000 in 2020. Qualifying taxpayers who live, work, or attend school in Irvine can receive help filing their taxes from IRS-trained and certified volunteers, who will also assist eligible taxpayers in applying for tax credits, including the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC).
Free tax-preparation services are available at Cypress Community Park, 255 Visions in Irvine, from February 10 through April 7, 2021, on Wednesdays between 12–7 p.m. An appointment is required; no walk-ins will be accepted. Call Orange County United Way at 888-434-8248 for more information on EITC eligibility, and to schedule an appointment.
Through support from Orange County 3rd District Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County United Way has been given access to a workstation bus for their OC Free Tax Prep service, which will establish a safe, convenient tax preparation drop-off and pickup site at Cypress Community Park. The use of a mobile workstation bus is part of OCUW modifications for health, safety, and security under COVID-19 protocols. These modifications also include a limited contact drive-thru drop-off and pickup, reduced staffing, and adherence to all current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention safety protocols.
Taxpayers with internet access can choose to file their own federal and state tax returns online for free if eligible. For more information, visit OCFreeTaxPrep.com.
Part of this free filing service will include advising taxpayers on potential credits. The expanded California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), along with a similar federal credit, can provide additional funds back to workers when they file their taxes. Additionally, workers with children under age 6 may qualify for the Young Child Tax Credit, if they are working and their household income is less than $57,000.
For more information, visit cityofirvine.org or unitedwayoc.org.