Free tax filing assistance in East Los Angeles

To help low-income families, the Taxes and Tacos event will provide tax filing assistance to those making $67,000 or less in annual income this Saturday, March 22 at the East Los Angeles Weingart YMCA.

As the April 15 tax season deadline approaches, many people wonder what options they have to get a higher return when filing their taxes. 

The event, hosted by Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez's (D-54) office and the nonprofit Golden State Opportunity, will also provide vital information about a new bill increasing monetary assitance to low-income families with children. 

In February, Gonzalez introduced AB 397, a bill that intends to phase the expansions to the California Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) and extend the California Child Tax Credit (CalCTC) to 500,000 families and more than one million children.

Currently, the YCTC is available only for income-eligible households with children under six who made under $31,950 in 2024. These taxpayers can receive up to $1,154 annually through the YCTC. Under AB 397, the expansion would include families with children up to 18 years old and 19 to 23 years old if they attend college. People who file taxes with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) would also qualify as long as they have children. 

Gonzalez said he knows the struggles many low-income families face. He grew up with a single mother who worked 12 hours a day. As a child, he had to collect cans to make a little extra cash to help at home. 

"Too many Californians are struggling to make ends meet, and as someone who grew up in Section 8 housing, I have lived experience of what it is like growing up in poverty," said Gonzalez when he presented the bill. “AB 397 will provide relief to communities facing the same hardships I experienced firsthand."

The bill is expected to be voted on before May 2, 2025. Gonzalez's office said they currently have the support of about half of the assembly members. If the bill passes, it will take effect starting January 2026. It would gradually expand the number of taxpayers eligible for the credit by simply modifying the definition of “qualifying child” over several years as follows:

• 2025: Families with children younger than 10 years old will qualify

• 2026: Families with children younger than 13 years old will qualify

• 2027: Families with children younger than 16 years old will qualify

• 2028: Families with children younger than 18 years old, or 19-23 if they are attending college will qualify

Extension to families impacted by the fires

Families and individuals affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles County qualify for tax relief. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has postponed certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area until October 15, 2025. To find more information and see if you qualify, visit the IRS page. 

Taxes and Tacos will be held at the Weingart YMCA, 2900 Whittier Blvd, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register and/or receive more information, call (213) 620-4646.