The first initiative of the Northern Santa Barbara County Financial Stability Partnership is the
“Earn It. Keep It. Save It.” Campaign,
which promotes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit available to working families and individuals. The IRS estimates that $8 million in EITC refunds is left on the table every year in Northern Santa Barbara County when taxpayers are eligible but don’t file.

This money can make a huge difference to a family living paycheck to paycheck, making it possible for them do things that many of us take for granted: repair the family car, get needed medical or dental attention, pay for quality childcare, or pay past due rent to avoid eviction.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

To help ensure that Northern Santa Barbara County working families are filing for the tax credits they have earned and to help those families save hundreds of dollars in commercial tax fees and predatory “rapid refund” loans, the NSBC-FSP supports Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Families all over north county making a household income of less than $49,000 can access VITA sites and have their taxes prepared for FREE!  To find the VITA site nearest you dial 2-1-1.

Volunteering for VITA

For more information about becoming a VITA volunteer, click here.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is also a great volunteer opportunity in which you can help low-income working families where they need it most, in the pocketbook.

• To download a volunteer flyer click here.
• For more information about being a VITA volunteer click here.