FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Free Tax Preparation Services In Tulare County

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2023

Free Tax Preparation Services In Tulare County

In-Person and Drop-Off Services Are Now Available.

[Tulare County, CA ] - Community Services Employment Training (CSET) is providing free tax preparation services to residents of Tulare County. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program prepares federal and state tax returns at no cost to households with less than $60,000 in annual income. Eligible working families and individuals may also qualify for Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credits (CalEITC) that may reduce the amount of tax owed. 

Tax documents can be dropped off at one of our VITA locations (see list of locations with dates and times below). Taxes will be prepared on a first-come, first-served basis. Tax preparers will connect with customers when their taxes are completed. Customers will be informed about the filing process and contacted over the phone to review, schedule a pickup, and receive authorization to e-file. In-person tax preparation will vary, depending on volunteer availability. Customers may download the required documents checklist and intake forms at www.cset.org/vita, or customers can retrieve a packet from a VITA location.

About Earned Income Tax Credits

The amount of tax credits and cash back refund depends on household income and family size. Households earning less than $30,000 may be eligible for CalEITC up to $3,417 for tax year 2022. Immigrant workers filing state taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and current and former foster youth may also be eligible for CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC). An Earned Income Tax Credit calculator is available online to estimate the tax refund that may be received from CalEITC and other cash-back credits.

Due to high call volumes, CSET will only answer questions about individual tax issues in person at tax sites. For more information on site locations and required documents please visit www.cset.org/vita or call (559) 741-4640.

VITA Site Locations and Schedule

In-person tax preparation will vary, depending on volunteer availability. Please check our VITA website for updates.

VISALIA

CSET Main Office (312 NW 3rd Ave)

• Monday - Thursday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (DROP OFF ONLY)

• Saturdays (February 4th & 18th; March 4th & 18th; April 1st & 15th) from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

VISALIA

Employment Connection (4025 W Noble Ave, STE B)

• Monday - Thursday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed for lunch 12-1 PM)

CUTLER

Cutler-Orosi Senior Center (12691 Ave. 408)

• Tuesdays from 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM (closed for lunch 2-3 PM)

• Saturdays (February 4th & 18th; March 4th & 18th; April 1st & 15th) from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

TULARE

Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate (304 E. Tulare Ave)

• Tuesday - Friday from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Saturdays (February 4th & 18th; March 4th & 18th; April 1st & 15th) from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

PORTERVILLE

Employment Connection (1063 W. Henderson Ave)

• Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed for lunch 12-1 PM)

• Saturdays (February 4th & 18th; March 4th & 18th; April 1st & 15th) from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

PIXLEY

Pixley CSET Office (927 S Center St)

• Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Community Services Employment Training (CSET) inspires youth, families and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration. Since 1976, CSET has been the Community Action Agency for Tulare County. To learn more about CSET’s services and impact in Tulare County, please visit www.cset.org or call (559) 732-4194.

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