Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition Returns $29.9 Million to Taxpayers

United Way of San Diego County, 211 San Diego, and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition are pleased to announce that through their collaborative efforts to provide free tax preparation services to the community, a total of $29,949,748 has been returned to San Diego County individuals and families so far this year through federal and state tax refunds.

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income individuals and families reduce the taxes they owe or increase their refund so they can put more money toward important expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries. Taxpayers can also receive hundreds or even thousands of additional dollars back on their taxes with the state CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC).

Collaborative efforts to support the EITC Coalition
The collaborative work of the San Diego County EITC Coalition ensures San Diegans claim federal and state tax credits they earned, which is an important step toward addressing the economic inequality exacerbated by current inflation and high cost of living. This year, the Coalition completed a total of 43,464 tax returns, saving taxpayers $2.9 million in tax preparation fees which cost approximately $188 per return.

“United Way of San Diego County aims to make the greatest impact in our community by aligning with local partners to accomplish a common goal,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, President and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “The San Diego County EITC Coalition exemplifies this approach, bringing together diverse organizations from across the county to provide critical services to our community members that promote financial security and economic mobility, and enhance quality of life.”

“It's our responsibility, passion, and goal every year to educate and connect San Diegans to the credits they earn and deserve,” says William York, President & CEO, 211 San Diego. “We are grateful for the support of all the Coalition partners for their collaborative efforts to help local families in helping to bring awareness and encourage access to this critical anti-poverty program.”

Community outreach and education initiatives boost success of tax season
While talks of cutting government funding for tax education persist, the San Diego County EITC Coalition credits the success of the most recent tax season to broad community outreach and education efforts made possible through the collaboration of its 38 Coalition partner organizations. The collective education and outreach of these partners helped build public awareness and trust with individuals and families unfamiliar with the free services offered, including those filing with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).

Additionally, this year, materials were offered in 15 different languages to best support Coalition partners with the hard-to-reach populations they serve. Nearly a third of program participants reported having heard of the program first through Coalition outreach efforts. In fact, 211 San Diego reported a 15 percent increase in new tax filers compared to last year.

Tax returns provide much-needed financial boost in wake of economic fallout
The personal impact of the Coalition's services can be heard in the testimonials of grateful clients. “This was my first time filing my taxes, and I was super satisfied with the service and results. Carmen, a program manager with Dreams for Change, was really helpful and friendly. She hooked me up with additional resources that I'm looking forward to following through with,” said one client. “My tax return money will help me purchase my first car. I can save what's left over for an apartment down payment and build up from there.”

Another client shared, “This refund means more money toward my savings and emergency fund,” while yet another expressed, “It means taking a step toward being a responsible citizen of the USA.” These stories illustrate how the tax returns provide a financial boost for necessities such as food, transportation, bills, and more—especially in the wake of the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tax deadlines have been extended for California residents through October 16, 2023, and San Diego County taxpayers can still call 2-1-1 for free tax filing assistance, based on eligibility. Eligible individuals and families in San Diego County earning $60,000 or less annually qualify for free tax filing assistance with an IRS-certified tax preparer at select Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites through the October deadline.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
For over 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has remained devoted to its mission of sparking breakthrough community action that elevates every child, individual, and family toward a brighter future. Today, in partnership with local organizations, leaders, and community members, UWSD uses innovation, leveraged resources, and community-based strategy to resolve inequities and transform lives. United Way of San Diego County is passionately committed to addressing institutional disparities through the implementation of economic and educational initiatives.

Supporting United Way of San Diego County means investing in children's success from an early age and providing holistic family economic support so that all San Diegans can thrive. The nonprofit’s current programs focus on education and literacy support for early learners, college and career pathways for high school students, and tax assistance initiatives that enhance economic mobility for individuals and families. United Way of San Diego County believes that together, we can face critical challenges and build a stronger, more equitable community. United with community partners, UWSD cultivates a collective passion for deep systemic change, and impacts the lives of San Diegans county-wide.

Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org and following @unitedwaysd on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

About 211 San Diego:
211 San Diego serves as a lifeline connecting San Diegans to more than 6,000 community, health, and disaster support services, 24 hours a day in more than 200 languages, through a simple three-digit number, searchable online database, and online chat. 211’s Community Information Exchange (CIE) technology improves the lives and health outcomes of San Diegans through improved care coordination that unites information across our community providers, making access to services seamless. For more information about 211 San Diego, visit www.211sandiego.org or follow us on Facebook by searching 211 San Diego or on Twitter @211SD.