Tax Filing Resources for Students with Dependents
Tax Filing Resources for UC San Diego Students with Dependents
Free Tax Filing Resources
Online self-filing services
If you make less than $67,000, you likely qualify for free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation services. 211 San Diego outlines what documents to collect to file your taxes and claim the tax credits listed later in this section.
Here are some agencies who provide VITA tax services:
If you make less than $64,000 we can help file your taxes. Available to
- U.S. citizens or resident aliens who have a valid Social Security Number. (Tax filers with an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) may now qualify CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit – YCTC)
- Retired
- Self employed
Family Tax Credits and Refunds
If you work and earn a low‑to‑moderate income, you may be eligible for the tax credits below on your IRS and California tax returns. Together, these credits can significantly lower your federal and state tax liability and increase your refund, providing extra funds to cover essential expenses such as tuition, fees, housing, textbooks, and child/dependent care while you pursue your degree. Note: tax filers with an ITIN may now qualify CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit – YCTC
- California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and calculator to find out how much you may receive. Text CalEITC to 51555 for updates about this tax credit from CalEITC4Me.
To qualify for child and dependent care tax credits, be sure to include your children’s and/or dependents’ information in your state and federal tax filing.
- Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) for those with children 17 and younger
- California Young Child Tax Credit for those with children under 6 years old
Other Tax Credits
- The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) allows you to reduce your taxable income by up to $2,000 for qualifying education expenses.
- The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) provides up to $1,000 as a refundable cash credit when you file your taxes.
- The Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC) offers up to $1,154 as a refundable tax credit during tax season for current and former foster youth. To qualify, you must have been in foster care at the age of 13 and currently be between the ages of 18 and 25.