Free File allows people to prepare and file their federal income tax return for free using tax preparation and filing software. They work with an IRS "Trusted Partner."

Direct File is a new IRS pilot program. California is one of the participating states. It is currently only for simple tax returns.

Web pages

• Free File and Direct File info -https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
• Free File - https://www.irs.gov/irs-free-file-do-your-taxes-for-free
• Direct File pilot program - https://directfile.irs.gov/
• Direct File eligibility screening tool - https://directfile.irs.gov/state

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance allows taxpayers to e-file their return themselves free of charge or with the remote assistance of an AARP tax counselor. To prepare your own taxes online, you can request help from a volunteer counselor to coach you through the process using your own computer while screen-sharing. Tax-Aide also provides taxpayers with access to free software to prepare taxes totally on their own (OnLine Taxes). Access to free software is limited to taxpayers with an AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) of $73,000 or less. You can estimate your AGI by checking the amount on line 11 of your 2020 tax return (form 1040 or 1040-SR.) If your income falls within these guidelines, please click Request Help on this page: https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/online-self-and-assisted-prep
 
Web pages:
https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/
https://taxaideqa.aarp.org/hc/en-us
https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/online-self-and-assisted-prep
https://www.olt.com/main/vita/getsta… [read more]

File income taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/filing

Filing information for:

• Individuals
• Businesses and self-employed
• Charities and nonprofits

Where to send tax returns and payments
The Where to File addresses at the following link are to be used ONLY by TAXPAYERS AND TAX PROFESSIONALS filing individual federal tax returns in California during Calendar Year 2023.
https://www.irs.gov/filing/california-where-to-file-addresses-for-taxpayers-and-tax-professionals
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Find information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations.
See FAQs for Disaster Victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/faqs-for-disaster-victims

IRS Disaster Assistance - Federally Declared Disaster Area, English and Spanish:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3067esp.pdf

Help During Disasters - https… [read more]

This resource being kept in database in case callers have questions about this 2022 program re: their taxes.
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2/10/23 - Californians will NOT have to pay federal or state income tax on the Middle Class Tax Refund payments, even though some people may have received 1099-MISC tax forms.

• IRS Federal notice - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-guidance-on-state-tax-payments-to-help-taxpayers
• FTB State notice - https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/middle-class-tax-refund/help.html

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The Middle Class Tax Refund is a one-time payment to provide relief to Californians.
If you are eligible, you will automatically receive a payment. Payments are expected to be issued between October 2022 and January 2023. Also known as the "California inflation relief payment."

Details here: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/about-ftb/newsroom/middle-class-tax-refund/index.html

The Native TANF Program provides TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) to eligible families. To be eligible for Native TANF the family must have at least one child in the home who is able to provide documentation that he/she is a member or a descendant of a federally recognized tribe or a descendant of the California Judgment Roll.

Websites:

• Main website - https://washoetribe.us/​

Need Help Paying Bills has resources for finding financial assistance with bills, free items, housing, food, and emergency or long term help for basic needs. There are local agencies as well as state and national organizations, including charities, non-profit agencies, and government social services. Find info about rent or utility bill assistance, food pantries, mortgage payment help, free health or dental clinics, and more. There is also information on financial services offered directly to consumers from private companies such as utility companies and credit counselors.

Even if you do not find a direct service on the website, it can give you ideas of what to look for in your own state or community.
 
The information you find on Needhelppayingbills, all of which is free, may be able to help you and your family make it through a difficult period. Learn about financial assistance programs such as LIHEAP, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), or eviction prevention. A number of se… [read more]

In response to the series of storms across California in December 2022 through April 2023, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing state-funded storm recovery services to provide disaster relief case management and direct assistance to eligible individuals who experienced hardship from the storms and cannot access federal assistance due to immigration status. Direct assistance payments will be provided to help storm-impacted individuals and households cover certain necessary costs including housing, food, and transportation costs.

Assistance Benefit Amount
Qualifying adults will receive $1,500 and children (under 18 years old) will receive $500, with a maximum of $4,500 per household. A household is defined as individuals who live purchase and prepare meals together.

Application process
Individuals interested in applying for this assistance should contact the nonprofit organizations listed for their county. Interested individuals will be required to apply in perso… [read more]

California income tax returns are filed with the Franchise Tax Board.

When to file
Tax returns for 2023 are due Monday, April 15, 2024 for most filers.

Web pages

• Home - https://www.ftb.ca.gov/
• When to file - https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/when-to-file/

US tax returns are filed with the IRS. When to file Tax returns for 2023 are due Monday, April 15, 2024 for most filers. Web pages Home - https://www.irs.gov/ When to file - https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/when-to-file

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. We’re here to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. Our advocates can help if you have tax problems that you can’t resolve on your own.

FAQs including info about how to open a case.

There are seven TAS offices in California. The one nearest to Nevada and Placer counties is in Sacramento.

Websites:

• Main page - Taxpayer Advocate Service
• See FAQs on the following page, including info about how to open a case: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us/