Eastmont Community Center’s VITA Program Delivers Over $1.8 Million in Tax Refunds Across LA County

Eastmont Community Center (ECC) continues to expand access to trusted, no-cost tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program—serving as a critical financial resource for communities across Los Angeles County.

During the 2026 tax season, ECC assisted more than 700 individuals and families, securing $1,346,743 in federal refunds and $487,319 in California state refunds, returning a total of over $1.8 million directly to local households. Services were delivered across multiple communities, including East Los Angeles, Paramount, South Gate, Wilmington, Koreatown, Hollywood, South El Monte, Watts, El Monte, and Boyle Heights, ensuring broad geographic reach and accessibility.

Expanding Access Through Strategic Partnerships

ECC’s VITA program is strengthened through partnerships that expand both capacity and community reach. This year, Preferred Bank and Open Bank joined Eastmont’s VITA team as volunteers, contributing their time and expertise to support tax preparation services.

Since 2024, ECC has also provided tax preparation training to partners interested in volunteering during tax season; an effort that proved especially important this year amid federal funding reductions and limited internal staffing capacity.

In collaboration with LA Care, ECC hosted VITA pop-up services at two LA Care Community Resource Centers. This partnership allowed both organizations—each committed to delivering social services—to align efforts and expand access to tax support. Through these pop-ups alone, ECC assisted 50+ individuals and families, returning $61,222 in federal refunds directly to participants in East Los Angeles and El Monte.

Supporting Countywide Research and Economic Equity Efforts

ECC also contributed to the Claim Your Cash LA: February 2026 Report, a pilot initiative led by the Economic Security Project in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services. The program aimed to increase tax filing rates among families already connected to county services, helping them access critical benefits such as the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and state-level credits.

As part of this effort, ECC Program Manager Sandra Garcia supported monthly data collection and reporting. Findings from the initiative showed that more than 130 participants were referred to ECC through this program, reinforcing the importance of coordinated outreach and cross-agency collaboration in expanding access to financial resources.

Continuing Services Through October 2026

Recognizing that tax support remains a year-round need, ECC will continue offering VITA services through October 2026 in partnership with the Koreatown Youth Community Center at the America’s Job Center of California in South Gate.

Location: SELA AJCC4354 Tweedy Blvd.South Gate, CA 90280

Service Dates: May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 13

Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Appointments can be scheduled online, and services are available to individuals and families with incomes under $75,000, with additional eligibility guidelines provided at the time of booking or via ECC’s tax assistance line.

Through its VITA program, Eastmont Community Center continues to deliver measurable financial impact while building trust and accessibility across the communities it serves. By combining direct services, strategic partnerships, and participation in broader research initiatives, ECC ensures that more individuals and families can access the resources they need to achieve financial stability.