Free Tax Help Is Putting Millions Back Into San Diegans’ Pockets  

211 San Diego and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition—a network led by United Way of San Diego County and supported by more than 48 community organizations—have partnered to help residents access free tax filing assistance through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers. These IRS-certified volunteers help individuals and families claim valuable state and federal tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can significantly reduce financial strain. 

The EITC is one of the most powerful anti-poverty tools in the U.S. tax system, yet many eligible residents never claim it because they believe they don’t need to file taxes or are unaware they qualify. To close this gap, coalition partners conduct outreach across the region and provide free tax preparation, helping residents file or amend returns to claim credits they earned this year or in previous years. 

Last year, 211 San Diego scheduled 12,034 free tax preparation appointments, coordinating rides and virtual appointments to reduce transportation barriers. In 2025, coalition VITA volunteers prepared 47,581 tax returns, returning more than $34 million to local taxpayers. 

For David, a Spanish-speaking farmworker and father of two, these services made a life-changing difference. After learning about free tax help, he visited a VITA site hosted by MAAC. With help from a bilingual volunteer, he filed multiple years of taxes and received more than $5,000 through the federal EITC and California EITC. 

“MAAC helped me breathe again,” David shared after using the funds to catch up on rent and buy school supplies for his children. 

Beyond individual refunds, this effort supports the broader Live Well San Diego vision by helping communities stay healthy, safe, and thriving. Access to free tax preparation reduces financial stress—a key social determinant of health—while protecting seniors and low-income residents from tax scams and predatory services. By increasing household income through tax credits, these programs also help families cover essential expenses and invest in their future. 

Through collaboration and community outreach, partners across the region are helping more San Diegans claim the money they’ve earned and build greater financial stability.