County Residents Refunded $38.9M This Tax Season, Coalition Finds

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County residents received a total of $38.9 million in federal and state refunds this tax season, a coalition announced Wednesday.

The San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, comprised of 45 organizations, seeks to save taxpayers from the financial burden of filing their taxes by offering free preparation help and finding eligible tax credits.

"We're proud to once again work with our coalition partners in helping qualifying families and individuals in San Diego County with their tax preparation and assist them in claiming the credits they worked hard to earn," said Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County. "We'd like to emphasize that these vital resources are available at zero cost to qualifying low- and middle-income San Diego County residents.

"The heartfelt stories we hear from clients each year show how they've seen the benefits for themselves in ways that are more significant than you can imagine. Their returns often make the difference in getting through one month to the next."

Qualifying taxpayers can access the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit as well as state credits such as CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit, according to the coalition.

The coalition filled out nearly 49,000 federal and state tax returns this year, saving an estimated $9.2 million in tax preparation fees, a statement from the coalition reads. This is based on a typical tax prep fee of $350.

"Tens of thousands of people rely on 2-1-1 each month, 24 hours a day, for help with critical needs like rent, healthcare, food, utilities, and more," said William York, president and CEO of 211 San Diego.

"By screening callers for eligibility for free tax preparation services and educating them about the CalEITC and other tax credits, we're helping them keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets at a time when they need it most."

To make the services more accessible this year, the coalition provided materials in 20 languages, offered both in-person and virtual appointments, provided transportation vouchers to reach tax sites and assistance in obtaining and filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number for those without a Social Security Number.

According to 211 San Diego, there was a 54% increase in new families and individuals applying for free tax services offered by the coalition this year. The eligibility requirement was increased this tax season from $60,000 to $64,000 a year, to account for rising inflation, the group said.

The IRS extended the tax-filing deadline this year for San Diego residents to June 17, 2024 to account for those affected by the January storms and flooding.

— City News Service