File Your Taxes for Free
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Free, in-person tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. Available near campus through April 15, 2026 for households earning under about $69,000.
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VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — Free, in-person tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. Available near campus through April 15 for households earning under about $69,000. For program inquiries and coordination, you can reach out via the general program email at VITA@capsbc.org.
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In-Person Help Location: Visit the TAD Office at 15010 Palmdale Rd, Victorville, CA 92392. Please call the main scheduling line to set up an appointment.
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Online Self-Filing (also free): Visit MyFreeTaxes.org. This service is run by United Way and walks you through every credit you qualify for.
Student Parent Tax Credits
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — up to $8,046
If you worked last year and have kids, the government may owe you a refund. Up to $4,328 with one child. Up to $8,046 with three or more. To get it, you have to file a federal tax return. Learn more at irs.gov.
California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) — up to $3,644
California's version of the EITC, on top of the federal one. To get it, file your state tax return. If you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under 6, you also get the Young Child Tax Credit (below).
Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) — up to $1,700 per child
For families with kids. Refundable, which means you can get money back even if you don't owe taxes. Make sure to include each child's information when you file.
California Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) — up to $1,154
Extra credit if you qualify for CalEITC and have a child under age 6. Pairs automatically when you claim CalEITC on your state return.
California Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) — up to $1,154
For current and former foster youth ages 18–25 who were in foster care at age 13 or older. You can file for up to three past years if you missed it before. Claim it on your California state return. NextUp at VVC (ext. 2929) can also help you confirm eligibility.
Federal Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC)
If you paid for childcare for kids under 13 (or for a dependent who can't care for themselves) while you worked, attended school full-time, or looked for work, you can claim a portion of those costs as a tax credit. Include the receipts when you file.
California Child & Dependent Care Expenses Credit
California adds a second credit on top of the federal one. You may be able to claim a percentage of up to $3,000 in care expenses for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more. You must earn $100,000 or less to qualify. Attach Form FTB 3506 to your state return.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) — up to $1,000 refundable
Money back for school expenses — tuition, fees, books, supplies. For the first four years of college. Refundable, so you can get up to $1,000 back even if you owe nothing.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) — up to $2,000
Reduces your federal tax bill by up to $2,000 for tuition and qualifying education expenses. No limit on how many years you can claim it. Good for continuing students.