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Home Start

Leading the fight against child abuse in San Diego

  • Who We Are
    • Our Vision and Mission
    • Home Start’s Executive Team
    • Home Start’s Board of Directors
    • Home Start In The News
    • Home Start Success Stories
    • Annual Report | 2021 Fiscal Year
    • Annual Report | 2020 Fiscal Year
  • What We Do
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • City of La Mesa Mortgage and Rental Assistance
    • Communities in Action
    • Community Services for Families
    • COVID Response
    • Family Visitation Program
    • First Steps
    • Free Tax Prep
    • Host Homes – Addressing Youth Homelessness
    • Maternity Housing Program
    • Oceanside Ratepayer Relief Program
  • Shop to Help
    • Thrift Boutique
    • Bright Futures Candles
  • Get Involved
    • Attend an Event
      • Blue Ribbon Gala
      • Hallo-Wine Fall Festival
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Adopt-a-Family & Holiday Toy Drive
    • AmazonSmile
    • Host Homes – Addressing Youth Homelessness
    • Careers
  • Donate
  • Contact
    • Our Locations
    • Get Services
    • Careers

Free Tax Prep

Home Start Free Tax Prep

What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to individuals who file simple returns and generally make $57,500 a year or less. The program is also available to persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals throughout the County of San Diego. This program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

How to File

Make an appointment with Home Start by calling 619-229-3660. Click to download our flyer for more information.

If you prefer, you can file on your own for free online at MyFreeTaxes.com.

Once you have an appointment, be sure to gather the following required documents:

  • Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each family member
  • A valid California ID for adults in the household

Any additional items listed below that may apply to your family:

  • W-2 Forms for all jobs worked
  • All 1099 forms
  • Letter 6419
  • Healthcare Forms: 1095’s
  • Childcare provider name, address & tax ID
  • Copy of a bank check: for direct deposit
  • A copy of last year’s tax return (if available)
  • Any other tax related documents you have

California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)

California Earned Income Tax (CalEITC) is a cash-back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. In its first year, CalEITC boosted the income of about 385,000 families, who shared almost $200 million from the cash-back credit. CalEITC gives working families the chance to get ahead. Studies show that young children in households that receive the EITC do better in school, are more likely to attend college, and earn more, brightening the future of the next generation. Click for more information.

What if I don’t have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?

All taxpayers without a social security number must have a valid ITIN in order to file taxes. Click to learn more information on how to apply.


COVID-19 UPDATE

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Home Start VITA sites are closed. Instead, we are operating virtually or drop off and by appointment only. You can call 619-229-3660 to make an appointment with Home Start. If you prefer, you can file on your own for free online at MyFreeTaxes.com.

 

 

 

 

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DONATE NOW

Aug 03

Sara Jacobs visits Home Start on ABC10

Jul 29

TFCA Workshop Partners

Jul 13

Backpack & Supply Drive

Jul 11

Home Start in the News on CBS 8 San Diego

Jul 07

Be a Home Start Hero

To report child abuse, contact the Child Abuse Hotline at (858) 560-2191

It is never a mistake to get help for a child or adolescent you feel is in danger.

  • Who We Are
    • Our Vision and Mission
    • Home Start’s Executive Team
    • Home Start’s Board of Directors
    • Home Start In The News
    • Home Start Success Stories
    • Annual Report | 2021 Fiscal Year
    • Annual Report | 2020 Fiscal Year
  • What We Do
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • City of La Mesa Mortgage and Rental Assistance
    • Communities in Action
    • Community Services for Families
    • COVID Response
    • Family Visitation Program
    • First Steps
    • Free Tax Prep
    • Host Homes – Addressing Youth Homelessness
    • Maternity Housing Program
    • Oceanside Ratepayer Relief Program
  • Shop to Help
    • Thrift Boutique
    • Bright Futures Candles
  • Get Involved
    • Attend an Event
      • Blue Ribbon Gala
      • Hallo-Wine Fall Festival
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Adopt-a-Family & Holiday Toy Drive
    • AmazonSmile
    • Host Homes – Addressing Youth Homelessness
    • Careers
  • Donate
  • Contact
    • Our Locations
    • Get Services
    • Careers

Copyright 2017 Home Start, Inc. • 501(c)3 non-profit organization Tax ID#95-3138268