Community Services Employment Training (CSET) is providing free tax preparation services to residents of Tulare County.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program prepares federal and state tax returns at no cost to households with less than $60,000 in annual income.

Eligible working families and individuals may also qualify for Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credits (CalEITC) that may reduce the amount of tax owed.

Tax documents can be dropped off at any VITA location. Taxes will be prepared on a first-come, first-served basis. Tax preparers will connect with customers when their taxes are completed.

Customers will be informed about the filing process and contacted over the phone to review, schedule a pickup, and receive authorization to e-file.

In-person tax preparation will vary, depending on volunteer availability. Customers may download the required documents checklist and intake forms at http://www.cset.org/vita, or retrieve a packet from a VITA location.

Earned Income Tax Credits

The amount of tax credits and cash back refund depends on household income and family size. Households earning less than $30,000 may be eligible for CalEITC up to $3,417 for tax year 2022.

Immigrant workers filing state taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and current and former foster youth may also be eligible for CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit.

An Earned Income Tax Credit calculator is available online to estimate the tax refund that may be received from CalEITC and other cash-back credits.

Due to high call volumes, CSET will only answer questions about individual tax issues in person at tax sites. For more information on locations and required documents, visit http://www.cset.org/vita or call (559) 741-4640.

VITA Locations and Schedule

Visalia – CSET Main Office, 312 NW 3rd Ave., Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (drop off only); Saturday, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visalia – Employment Connection, 4025 W. Noble Ave., Suite B, Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 12-1 p.m.)

Cutler – Cutler-Orosi Senior Center, 12691 Ave. 408, Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (closed for lunch 2-3 p.m.); and Saturday, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tulare – Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate, 304 E. Tulare Ave., Tuesday-Friday from 1-4 p.m .; and Saturday, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Porterville – Employment Connection, 1063 W. Henderson Ave., Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch 12-1 p.m.), and Saturday, March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pixley – Pixley CSET Office, 927 S. Center St., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Since 1976, CSET has been working to inspire youth, families and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration.

To learn more about CSET's services and impact in Tulare County, visit http://www.cset.org or call (559) 732-4194.