City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley and City Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez, Hugo Soto-Martinez Address Affordability Crisis, Unclaimed Tax Credits as Major Filing Changes Take Effect
LOS ANGELES (January 29, 2026) – As rising housing costs, grocery prices, and healthcare expenses continue to squeeze household budgets across Los Angeles County, community leaders and tax experts gathered today to highlight that thousands of working families are still missing out on tax credits worth thousands of dollars each year. An estimated 1 in 5 eligible Angelenos do not file or are unaware they qualify for tax credits, leaving up to $579 million unclaimed each year.
City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brenda Shockley, Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Hugo Soto-Martinez were joined by Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) General Manager Abigail R. Marquez at the Korean Youth and Community Center (KYCC) to urge eligible residents to file early with free tax prep assistance across the 100+ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations with multilingual IRS-certified volunteers. Angelenos seeking free, IRS-certified tax help can find a nearby location by visiting freetaxprepla.com
“As the Trump administration drives economic instability and threatens cuts to healthcare, HUD, and food assistance, local leaders must double down on supporting our constituents however we can,” Councilmember Hernandez said. “Programs like Free Tax Prep LA help working Angelenos keep the money they’ve earned instead of leaving thousands of dollars on the table. In an affordability crisis, every dollar matters, and we’ll keep fighting to get resources directly into people’s hands.”
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most effective anti-poverty policies for children and working families,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez. “I grew up in a low-income household, and I know how powerful it can be when families get access to money they’ve already earned. For many Angelenos, the EITC — sometimes $10,000 or more — can be truly life-changing.”
Today’s tax season kickoff event, marked Free Tax Prep LA’s (FTPLA) 10th year helping Angelenos claim refunds and credits that can total more than $10,000 per household; cashback refunds urgently needed as the affordability crisis deepens. The event, held during CalEITC Awareness Week, featured live tax filings, tax filer testimonials, and remarks from Los Angeles City Councilmembers urging eligible residents to file early in light of significant tax filing changes taking effect this year.
Audrey Casillas, KYCC Director, Community Economic Development Services, provided the following tax year updates and tax filing tips.
Key Tax Filing Updates for 2026
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IRS Direct File is no longer available.
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Paper checks are no longer issued. Filers must set up direct deposit to receive refunds.
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Updated Child Tax Credit rules now require a parent’s Social Security number, potentially disqualifying families who previously qualified, including mixed-status households.
Tax Tips for Angelenos Filing This Year
Tax experts at the event offered the following advice for taxpayers:
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File early to avoid delays, identity theft, or missed credits.
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Check eligibility for CalEITC and Child Tax Credit as income limits have changed.
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Set up direct deposit before filing to receive refunds faster.
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Seek free, IRS-certified help with VITA volunteers and avoid paying hundreds for a simple tax return.
10 Years of Local Impact
Since its launch, Free Tax Prep LA has helped more than 200,000 Angelenos claim over $300 million in total refunds and credits, strengthening household budgets and boosting local economic stability across Los Angeles County with free, IRS-certified tax preparation services.
“As we mark 10 years of Free Tax Prep Los Angeles, we’re incredibly proud of the impact this program has had on working families across our city and county,” said General Manager Marquez. “Helping more than 200,000 Angelenos claim over $300 million in refunds and credits means groceries on the table, rent paid, and a little breathing room for families who need it most. This program isn’t just about filing taxes – it’s about stability and opportunity.”
About Free Tax Prep Los Angeles
Celebrating 10 years of service, Free Tax Prep Los Angeles provides free, IRS-certified tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families, including low-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and residents with limited English proficiency. Services are available at 100+ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations countywide with multilingual support. For eligibility information and locations, visit www.FreeTaxPrepLA.com
Free Tax Prep LA is a collaborative initiative of the City of Los Angeles’ Community Investment for Families Department, the County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, Koreatown Youth & Community Center, and United Way of Greater Los Angeles.