Free Tax Assistance

Get FREE Tax Help & Keep 100% of Your Refund Plus Any Credits

Earn It! Keep It! Save It! provides free tax preparation services to low income individuals and families throughout Monterey County. IRS-Certified tax preparers help ensure that they receive any and all qualifying tax credits they deserve.

Over the past three years, EKS helped Monterey County families claim more than $3 million in refunds. That's money that went back into the local economy and benefitted the community as a whole.

• To qualify, 2011 household income was less than $50,000
  
• Choose direct deposit and receive tax refund in 7-10 days
  
• Call 2-1-1 to find a nearest site
  
• Downloadable flyer with site information in Spanish and English.

What To Bring

• Photo Identification and Social Security card or ITIN for each family member
  
• W-2 forms for all jobs held in 2011 and all 1099 or 1098 forms
  
• Child care provider information
  
• A check with your bank account numbers so receive a speedy refund through direct deposit
  
• Last year's tax return

To Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit:

If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, your refund could be more than $5,600 for a family of five.

• Must have a valid Social Security number
  
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or resident alien all year or a nonresident alien married to a US Citizen or resident alien and filing jointly
  
• Filing status cannot be "married filing separately" 
  
• Cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555EZ (relating to foreign earned income)

If you have a qualifying child:

• The child must meet the relationship, age, and residency tests
  
• The child cannot be used by more than one person to claim the EIC
  
• The child cannot be a qualifying child or dependent of another person
  

Call 2-1-1 for the most up to date information.