The tax deadline for 2022 may have just passed, but JBAY has no plans to stop helping foster youth file their taxes.
This year, JBAY has expanded our Tax Credit Project from 1 to 8 counties, helping current and former foster youth file their taxes in Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Madera, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties. In each of the counties, JBAY has partnered with organizations to establish dedicated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites.
As of the April 18th tax deadline, 137 youth have submitted their tax returns, with another 52 returns currently in progress. Collectively, these 137 youth received a total of $367,898 in federal and state refunds. The average return was $2,555.
Associate Director of Housing and Health Anna Johnson leads the initiative. “When we piloted this project last year in Santa Clara, we found that filing assistance increased annual income by 42% for foster youth with dependents and 14% for single filers. As JBAY’s work continues to grow, we believe tax filing will not only decrease poverty among foster youth, but also ensure access to tax benefit programs and student financial aid.”
Also, JBAY Youth Advocate Emmerald Evans is getting ready to graduate from Cal State Sacramento with her B.A. in Criminal Justice. She knows first-hand how every dollar helps when you are navigating young adulthood alone, without the support of an extended family. “It is extremely important that all foster youth alumni and young adults experiencing homelessness are aware of the tax credits available to them and how to access free filing and support.”
JBAY’s project sites are still taking appointments until June 30, 2022. JBAY’s goal is to assist 380 youth, who will collectively receive an estimated $1 million.
This project is supported by funding from Golden State Opportunity, Pritzker Foster Care Initiative, Tipping Point Community Foundation, Walter S. Johnson Foundation, United Way Bay Area, and United Way of Fresno and Madera.