LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is encouraging Angelenos to make use of available tax filing resources ahead of the federal filing deadline. Through a partnership with the White House, many California residents can use Direct File to file taxes online, for free, directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Angelenos who are income-eligible can also schedule free tax appointments at local libraries to get help preparing their tax returns.
“I encourage Angelenos who have not yet filed their taxes to take advantage of the free resources and support that the White House and the City of Los Angeles are making available,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Through our partnership with the federal government, eligible Angelenos can file their taxes at no cost directly with the IRS. Los Angeles taxpayers can also receive assistance from volunteers at a number of locations from San Pedro to the San Fernando Valley by the Monday, April 15 deadline.”
Filing Directly with the IRS
Direct File is a new IRS service that is helping people save time and money by filing their taxes online, for free, directly with the IRS. Eligible Angelenos can use Direct File on their smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer to file their taxes in English or Spanish.
Visit directfile.irs.gov to check eligibility and start filing today. Direct File is currently available to eligible taxpayers in 12 states, including California.
Accessing Free Tax Assistance at Los Angeles Public Libraries
The program is run by the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The Los Angeles Public Library is proud to partner with the local American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation's Tax Aide Program and VITA service providers to be able to provide these services.
In order to qualify for the free appointments, taxpayers must have income of $64,000 or less. Persons with disabilities, those aged 60 and over, and those with limited English also qualify.
Please visit lapl.org/taxes and freetaxprepla.org to make an appointment and to see a complete list of tax programs and locations. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please call (213) 228-7430 at least 72 hours prior to the event.