Key Tax Benefit Available To Many San Diego Families
Free help for those eligible to receive up to $5,600
any people across San Diego County are unaware that they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the federal government’s largest cash assistance program designed to lift people out of poverty by helping them keep more of their hard-earned wages. A number of these families and individuals live in the Fourth Supervisorial District.
One of our jobs at the county is making sure everyone due those dollars is aware they are available. The latest IRS estimates indicate that, nationally, between 20 and 25 percent of eligible individuals do not claim the credit.
During the 2003 tax season, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors launched a pilot program to provide tax preparation assistance to low-income workers. The program was expanded countywide the following year.
The dollars involved are significant.
In 2009, tax returns filed in San Diego County brought about $18 million in refunds to working families and the local economy. Nearly $5.9 million were EITC dollars. Since the county’s campaign was launched, more than $29 million EITC dollars have been returned to local families.
With tax season approaching, we again are partnering with about two dozen community service organizations to provide free help so people will take advantage of the EITC. Individuals and families who earned less than $48,000 in 2009 may qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,600.
During the campaign, hundreds of volunteers will offer no-cost, tax preparation services at dozens of sites throughout the county. If you want to find out if you or someone you know is eligible and/or find a location near you, please visit RonRoberts.com or call 2-1-1.
Established in 1975, the EITC is a great cash assistance program. These are dollars best spent by people in San Diego on necessities. It is their money. They earned it. Please help me spread the word.
Protect Yourself And Your Wallet: Free Expo Feb. 25th
Self-defense and financial experts will offer
free advice, and lunch, to seniors
lder adults in the County of San Diego’s Fourth District are being encouraged to register in
advance for a free February course designed to help seniors protect themselves and their
finances. The County’s Health & Human Services Agency will offer a “Senior Expo: Protect
Yourself & Your Wallet” session on Thursday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Bayside
Community Center located at 2202 Comstock St. in Linda Vista.
Reservations are highly recommended. Call (800) 510-2020 and press “4” when you hear the
menu. Leave your name, phone number and state the date and location of the senior expo. (Similar
events are being held elsewhere around the county.)
Crimes against older adults are a sad reality. In December, three men in their 20s were
arrested in Oceanside for apparently beating and kicking a 63-year-old woman outside her home
after she asked them to quiet down. Also, the horrific kidnapping and beating of 76-year-old Natalie
“Sandy” Herbst-Vinge from Mount Helix has been in the news again after she recently testified
against her attackers.
“Every day we see seniors victimized, whether it is physical abuse or fraud. We need to give
them the information and training necessary to prevent these crimes from happening,” said
Supervisor Ron Roberts who represents the 630,000 residents of District 4. “I’m proud the county
can provide such training and do so at no charge.”
The Expo session features Mary Davis, a 70-year-old, third-degree black belt in Karate, who
will talk about ways to avoid physical attacks and demonstrate techniques to use when an assault
occurs.
In addition, speakers from the HHSA Adult Protective Services and the District Attorney’s
office will address ways to avoid scams, fraud and other financial abuse. Participants will receive
helpful materials to take home, and a no-cost lunch.
The Senior Expo is coordinated by HHSA’s Aging & Independence Services in partnership
with the San Diego District Attorney’s office and the County Library. Funding is provided by the
Barona and Sycuan tribal governments.
The other two Expos scheduled are Jan. 11 at the County Library in Lemon Grove (8073
Broadway), and on March 24 at the Valley Center Branch Library (29200 Cole Grade Road).
any people across San Diego County are unaware that they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the federal government’s largest cash assistance program designed to lift people out of poverty by helping them keep more of their hard-earned wages. A number of these families and individuals live in the Fourth Supervisorial District.
lder adults in the County of San Diego’s Fourth District are being encouraged to register in
advance for a free February course designed to help seniors protect themselves and their
finances. The County’s Health & Human Services Agency will offer a “Senior Expo: Protect
Yourself & Your Wallet” session on Thursday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Bayside
Community Center located at 2202 Comstock St. in Linda Vista.
