VITA Program
LSS of Northern California provides free tax filing services to current and former foster youth in Northern California. Working in collaboration with United Ways of California, John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY) and the State of California Franchise Tax Board, LSS is a host in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
From February 1 to the end of the tax season, we have volunteers available to assist this population in preparing their federal income taxes AND receiving the tax credits for which they qualify. We have host sites in Sacramento and Concord, but any youth can participate through a remote option.
A Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site provides free income tax return preparation to those families who make less than a predetermined amount a year in gross income. This amount is determined based on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) amounts for that year. VITA tax preparers are certified using IRS training materials and serve in a volunteer capacity. VITA sites can be used as tools for delivering tax law changes or partner outreach to the community.
Who are we serving?
Counties to be served:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Shasta
- Yolo
| Free Tax Preparation assistance to those whose income for 2023 was below $30,000.00. |
Who is eligible:
- Transition-age youth ages 18-24 who have been in foster care, who are homeless or formerly homeless
- LGBTQ+
- Parents of young children under six
- Single parents
- Undocumented Californians
Youth can go directly to VITA Registration to review the qualifications and register.
LSS is happy to provide information to our partners and friends to refer youth to this program (which runs from February 1 to Tax Day).
Please contact us at vita1@lssnorcal.org if you have any further questions.
