Eastmont Community Center Relaunches VITA in 2026 to Provide Free Tax Preparation for Local Families

East Los Angeles, CA — Eastmont Community Center (ECC) is proud to announce the return of its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program, providing free, IRS-certified and recognized tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families in the community. This initiative reflects ECC’s ongoing commitment to increasing financial stability and expanding access to trusted resources for residents with low to moderate incomes.

Through the VITA program, IRS-certified volunteers help community members accurately prepare and file their tax returns at no cost. The program’s core purpose is to increase and maximize the amount of refunds and tax credits returned to individuals and families who earn lower incomes; funds that can support housing, food, education, and overall household well-being. For many households, a tax refund represents one of the largest financial boosts they receive all year, making access to free and reliable assistance especially meaningful.

Many participants may qualify for valuable credits that can significantly increase their refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), education-related credits, and other federal and state benefits for eligible taxpayers. By offering this service, ECC helps reduce the financial burden of commercial tax preparation fees and ensures more money stays in the hands of local families, circulating back into the community.

Programs like VITA are made possible through grants, partnerships, volunteers, and community support. As demand for free, trusted tax preparation continues to grow, additional resources help ECC serve more families, extend appointment availability, and ensure that residents who rely on these services are not turned away. Community partners, local organizations, and supporters are encouraged to share information about the VITA program within their networks and help raise awareness about its impact. Increasing visibility and support allows ECC to continue strengthening financial stability for individuals and families across the community.

To ensure accurate and compliant service delivery, the ECC VITA program serves individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Appointments are strongly encouraged, as availability is limited during the tax season. Community members can now book appointments through ECC’s Booking System.

For questions about a tax return, individuals can call (323) 312-3461.