Volunteers help low-income families file income taxes

Thousands of people and households in Santa Barbara County won’t have to pay to get their taxes filed.

It’s part of United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Individuals or households who made less than $62,000 in 2016 qualify for the free program.

“They’re so grateful and that’s so fulfilling to me,” said Ana Jimenez, a volunteer for VITA for 5 years.

Jimenez is one of three volunteers who worked one of the locations at Franklin Neighborhood Center. Each volunteer receives training on tax preparation.

“It’s something that’s so easy to do and they don’t have to pay, so it’s good,” said Mari Luz Meza, a volunteer.

Tax filing is available from February 1 to April 15. For a list of locations, click here.