Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Santa Clara County
Free Tax Services for Hardworking People
As part of our Income Strategy, United Way Silicon Valley 
partners with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), churches, nonprofits and other organizations to offer free tax assistance to local families and individuals. Many of these families qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax benefit for working families with low to moderate incomes. This tax credit improves financial stability for many local families who are working hard, but barely making it, by significantly boosting their annual incomes – nearly $6,000 for some families.The tax credit is also good for the local economy because these free tax sites help to bring millions of dollars in tax refunds to Santa Clara County each year. Learn more about the program (PDF).
2011: Our Most Successful Tax Season
Earn It! Keep It! Save It! coalition notched up another successful tax season. This year 8 new sites were opened in Santa Clara County bringing the total to 37 VITA sites. In addition, United Way Silicon Valley hosted three separate training sessions and many more orientations that led to more than 225 volunteers being trained and deployed to the many VITA sites throughout Santa Clara County. The bottom line, is that in 2011 more individuals and families received free tax preparation services than ever before in Santa Clara County, which led to more precious dollars being returned. In total, 5,770 taxpayers were served by the Santa Clara County VITA sites this year. This compares to 4,600 taxpayers helped in 2010. IRS results show total refunds were in excess of $7.1M, exceeding last years $5.7M in refunds. Nearly half of that dollar amount is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Care Tax Credits.
How You Can Help
Volunteer. The Campaign needs more than 200 volunteers to help prepare taxes or assist at the sites. Volunteers receive free training and IRS certification. Training sessions begin in November and run through December.
Give. Give a financial gift or in-kind donation of computer equipment and printers to support the campaign's success.
Contact Us
To learn about volunteer opportunities and for other inquiries use our contact form or call us at 408-345-4311.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED