Tax Refunds and Credits

Filing Your Taxes Can Help You Access Helpful Tax Credits

Taxes are not always thought of as a way to support someone’s finances. But for tax filers who qualify for credits, these amounts can add up and make a meaningful difference. There are several tax credits available at both the federal and California state levels. Some credits are refundable, meaning you may receive money back if the credit amount is more than the taxes you owe, while others are nonrefundable and can only reduce the taxes you owe. 

For tax returns filed in 2026 (Tax Year 2025), maximum credit amounts include:

• Child Tax Credit (federal): Up to $2,200 per qualifying child (up to $1,700 may be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit)
• Earned Income Tax Credit (federal): Up to $8,046
• California Earned Income Tax Credit (CA): Up to $3,756
• Young Child Tax Credit (CA): up to $1,189

If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), California state tax credits — including the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC), Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC), and Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) — are still be available if you are eligible for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and otherwise meet the income and other eligibility requirements. Learn more about ITIN eligibility, tax credit eligibility, how to apply for or renew an ITIN, and free filing support here.

‍Note: Credit amounts and eligibility vary by tax situation and can change year to year based on federal and state legislation. 

Want to get screened to see whether you may qualify for tax credits and other public benefit programs? Use our Benefit Screener tool.

‍

File Your Taxes for Free Through MyFreeTaxes.org

Filing your taxes is how you are able to access these tax credits and any refund amounts owed to you. Learn more about what determines a refund here.

To make sure you get all the tax credits available to you without paying for tax preparation software or a paid preparer, get started today through our affiliate website MyFreeTaxes.org.

MyFreeTaxes.org is a free community resource from United Ways of California, operated in partnership with a statewide network of local United Ways. It connects Californians to free filing options, verified tax updates, and educational tools to support informed decision-making during tax season.

Tax filers can explore three different ways to file for free:

1. Get your taxes prepared for you in-person (VITA) 
   Get your taxes prepared by certified tax preparers at a free tax preparation site through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Many in-person VITA sites offer one-hour appointments, during which your taxes are prepared on the spot. Some may also accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. VITA sites listed as drop-off sites allow you to drop off your tax documents and pick up your completed return within 1–2 weeks. Some VITA sites also offer services in languages other than English.

2. Get your taxes prepared for you online
   ‍Get your taxes prepared online by a certified VITA tax preparer using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Upload your documents through a secure portal, and a VITA preparer will contact you by phone to review the return with you. This option may be preferred by filers who do not live near a VITA location or prefer not to attend in person.‍
   ‍
3. Prepare your own taxes using free self-filing software
   If you prefer to file on your own return or need to file quickly, you can access free online tax software through MyFreeTaxes.org.
   
   • Available to anyone, regardless of income
   • Includes step-by-step guides and tutorials
   • Completely free; no hidden fees
     

Certain VITA sites can also help filers who are ineligible for an SSN apply or renew an ITIN. Learn about ITINs here.

‍

Ready to Get Started?

Step 1: Gather your documents

• Start gathering all the documents needed to file as early as January, when the tax filing season typically opens. If you’re expecting a refund, note that federal refunds are moving away from paper checks. Explore ways to set up an electronic payment method now to avoid long delays in receiving your refund. 

Step 2: Explore your free filing options

• Visit MyFreeTaxes.org to review the different ways you can file for free.  

Step 3: File your taxes

• Choose the filing method that works best for you and begin the process as soon as possible. Remember, filing earlier may help you receive your refund sooner. If you plan to use an in-person VITA site, consider scheduling your appointment early (February is ideal), as appointments at many sites fill up by mid-March.
  
  If you owe taxes, paying as much as possible before April 15 will help reduce interest owed. Learn more about payment options here. If you owe taxes and need more time to file, request a tax filing extension to avoid a late penalty fee.

‍

Knowledge Check