Valley Families Unite Tax and Resource Events Recognized by State Assembly Member and Local Officials Ahead of Tax Day
Merced, California – Valley Families Unite, in partnership with Courage California and the Economic Security Project, hosted Tax and Resource Events in Merced and Corona to support working families in navigating the tax filing process ahead of the April 15th deadline.
This event allowed attendees to learn about the IRS’s new Direct File Pilot Program, which helps individuals file their federal taxes for free directly with the IRS. Currently the program is operational in twelve states, including California.
Representatives from local organizations such as Youth Leadership Institute, International Rescue Committee, Merced’s Mayorial Office, and Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria’s District office, as well as a community food bank, shared resources to further support families in need. VFU was presented with a recognition from the local assembly member’s office.
Irene Kao, Executive Director of Courage California and Valley Families Unite, expressed, "We are thrilled to collaborate with the Economic Security Project in raising awareness and educating these communities on the File Direct program, a resource that benefits families across Southern California and the Central Valley. Whether we assist individuals in filing their taxes directly or provide them the information needed to file using the Direct File Program, we're highlighting a valuable tool that removes barriers and financial burdens for taxpayers."
Merced City Councilmember Fue Xiong underscored the importance of this event, "We need to empower our community by connecting them to resources and bridging the gap between services and those who need them most to ensure that everyone has equitable financial resources and assistance."
Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California, stated about the IRS Direct File Pilot Program, "Every year in California, hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits are left on the table because the process of filing taxes is too difficult and time consuming. The IRS Direct File tool is projected to save California taxpayers $832 million in filing fees this year alone, keeping money and time in families’ hands instead of funneling it to the lucrative tax prep industry. Policy interventions like this are key to building economic power and prosperity for all our neighbors."
Laura Arroyo, a Corona Resident, expressed her appreciation for the accessibility of this free filing option, "Big thanks to Vally Families Unite for providing this community service, with help from the CPA at the workshop and the IRS Direct File Program, I was able to understand and navigate my tax filing much better. It was very helpful to get clear answers to my questions and see the direct impact on my financial situation. Appreciate the straightforward support. "
For media inquiries, please contact Mario Vasquez Zuniga at 661-483-4927 or mario@valleyfamiliesunite.org.
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Valley Families Unite represents a shared vision of economic prosperity for working families and accountable leadership in California. With the collective strength of Courage California, Inland Empire United, Communities for a New California Action Fund and Lower Costs California, we are eager to hold our elected officials accountable for fighting for the economic well-being of California families.
