L.A. Controller presents new tax preparation map, may help people claim $10K in credits

With Tax Day just over a month away, L.A. Controller Ron Galperin, with the hope of reducing the stress of meeting the April 18 filing deadline, is offering low-to-moderate-income residents a new, interactive map of free tax preparation service providers.

The Free Tax Prep map shows 47 tax prep assistance locations in the L.A.-area, including local community-based organizations and resource centers.

“This map will help people get their taxes done on time and claim thousands of dollars in credits they deserve,” said Controller Galperin. “As the taxpayers’ watchdog, I believe everyone — especially people in disadvantaged communities — should have access to resources that will save them money and allow them to pay for critical family expenses.”

Galperin created the free tax preparation map to aid individuals and households who earn less than $57,000 annually and qualify for state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits. Families may be eligible to receive up to $10,000 in refunds this year. Taxpayers who have disabilities, are elderly or with limited English skills are encouraged to check their eligibility for these free services.

All service locations on the map are staffed with IRS-certified volunteers who provide basic tax prep services, in addition to enrollment specialists who can help people sign up for public benefits like the CalFresh food assistance program. You can explore the free tax prep map here.

The map is part of Controller Galperin’s push to use technology to connect people with services. Other resources include his COVID-19 Resource Hub, emergency preparedness map and food insecurity data story.

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