As of April 2, 2012 the Yolo County Children’s Alliance free Voluntary Income Tax Return (VITA) program through the West Sacramento Family Resource Center prepared a total of 226 returns and secured $425,000 in refunds for low income families. This is a more than double last year’s total and the tax season isn’t even over yet! VITA was even busier the final week before the April 17, 2012 deadline.

Calling the program “West Sacramento’s own economic stimulus package,” Katie Villegas, YCCA executive director noted that much of this money will be spent within the West Sacramento community.

The Yolo County Children’s Alliance’s (YCCA) West Sacramento Family Resource Center provides this free tax preparation service at 1200 Anna Street, portable 21, in West Sacramento. The site will remain open for free tax preparation assistance through October 1, 2012. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday and volunteers speak Spanish and English. Walk-ins are welcome, however appointments are recommended.

Trained volunteers help Yolo County residents whose incomes are $50,000 or less prepare their federal and state income tax returns. Last year the service assisted 90 families and secured $220,000 in tax refunds.
Services include free electronic filing and direct deposit.

Yolo County residents can call YCCA’s West Sacramento Family Resource Center at 916-572-0560 or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out what documents they will need to bring. Generally people should bring any information concerning their income and expenses for tax year 2011.

It is estimated that last year, residents in Yolo County forfeited $4.1 million in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) because they were unaware of their eligibility or could not afford to pay a tax preparer.

Tax help services are also offered on Saturday mornings at the West Sacramento Library by appointment only. For More Information: Call 1-866-607-4030 or 916-572-0560.

Families can also get referrals for additional services such as health insurance for children, Cal-Fresh, WIC, direct deposit and many other programs in Yolo County to help children and families.

Best of all, the services are free!