With Tax Day just around the corner, organizations in Kern are working hard to provide residents assistance with their taxes.

Tax Day is May 17 and CAPK has partnered with United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to offer low and middle-income residents no-cost tax returns and Earned Income Tax Credit benefits. ITIN holders are eligible for EITC this year. There have also been increases to the amount individuals can claim this year to stabilize their finances.

“We are kicking it in high gear because between now and May 17 is when the 2020 taxes are due so folks have just over a month to finish up their taxes and get them filed so that they can get the return,” said James Burger, Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator for the Executive Division of CAPK.

Burger also made not that filing taxes is one of the primary ways to receive stimulus checks, “so that the IRS can locate you and get that checked.” 

The VITA program provides no cost tax preparation for anyone who is low to middle income and meets the qualifications.

“And that’s a big deal because with COVID, there are some additional benefits that people can get this year that will increase their tax returns that can be used to deal with some of the economic impacts from this pandemic,” said Burger. 

CAPK and United Way provide tax services annually. In 2020, CAPK completed more than 4,200 tax returns for residents and brought back $3.1 million in earned income and tax credit, and another $3.6 million in total federal refunds and an additional $740,000.

Those interested in reach out to CAPK for assistance can do so by calling 211. They are doing in-person appointments.

“We want people to be able to come in and socially distance, stay safe,” said Burger. “We’ve got security measures in place, but we want them to come in and make sure that we can help as many people as possible between now and May 17.”

MORE INFORMATION BELOW

CAPK VITA is a year round program people can call 211 for more information or go down to the CAPK VITA office at 300 19th St in Bakersfield.  What you need: Bring an official ID, your Social Security information, proof of health insurance, all income documents, records of any stimulus payments received, and direct deposit information. How to get there: VITA is offering all services to walk-in clients on a first-come, first-served basis to maximize the number of people we can help. anyone who is looking for assistance can go down to the VITA office at 300 19th Street in Bakersfield.

VITA Hours April 12-16: Monday – 9:30 am to 5 pm, Tues-Thur – 11:30 am to 6:30 pm, Friday – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. VITA Hours April 19 and Later: Monday-Thursday: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Friday – 10 am to 2 pm.