Amidst the approaching federal filing deadline, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has urged Angelenos to utilize the available tax filing resources. In collaboration with the White House, a convenient avenue for California residents has emerged: Direct File, offering online tax filing directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), free of charge.
“I encourage Angelenos who have not yet filed their taxes to take advantage of the free resources and support that the White House and the City of Los Angeles are making available,” Mayor Karen Bass emphasized. She highlighted the accessibility of filing taxes at no cost directly with the IRS, facilitated by the partnership with the federal government. Additionally, she emphasized the availability of tax assistance for Los Angeles taxpayers, ranging from San Pedro to the San Fernando Valley, until the looming deadline of Monday, April 15.
The introduction of Direct File by the IRS enables eligible Angelenos to streamline the tax filing process, saving both time and money. Accessible via smartphones, laptops, tablets, or desktop computers, individuals can file their taxes in either English or Spanish. Interested individuals can check their eligibility and commence filing through directfile.irs.gov. Currently, Direct File extends its services to eligible taxpayers in 12 states, including California.
For those seeking in-person assistance, the Los Angeles Public Library has emerged as a pivotal venue. Partnering with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, the library collaborates with the local American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation’s Tax Aide Program and VITA service providers to offer free tax assistance.
To qualify for these free appointments, taxpayers must have an income of $64,000 or less. Additionally, individuals with disabilities, those aged 60 and over, and those with limited English proficiency are eligible for assistance.
