FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   

Contact: Aonya McCruiston
[email protected]

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 11, 2020 — In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to significant job losses and economic disruptions, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis has joined forces with the ‘Million 4 a Billion’ campaign by Golden State Opportunity. This collaboration aims to address the pressing issue of numerous Californians facing challenges in meeting their basic needs.

The purpose of the 'Million 4 a Billion' campaign is to target over 1 million low-income residents of California and provide them with free online tax filing services and virtual assistance from volunteers who have been trained by the IRS. The goal is to ensure that the $1 billion that the state has set aside for refunds through the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is delivered promptly to the eligible individuals.

According to Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is shedding light on the economic inequalities that impact various regions of our state. It is of utmost significance to inform Californians about the aid and support accessible to them during this tax season. I am thrilled to be a part of this crucial initiative that strives to provide assistance to those who are in dire need.

Kounalakis has recorded automated calls that are currently being distributed to 1.5 million individuals in California who are likely eligible for CalEITC. The purpose of these calls is to inform them about upcoming personal outreach calls or text messages from Golden State Opportunity and our community partners. Additionally, the calls aim to provide information about the free tax assistance that can be accessed through the CalEITC4ME website.

I express my gratitude for the proactive role played by the Lieutenant Governor in ensuring that the residents of California with limited financial means are educated on the process of availing tax credits, which have the potential to restore substantial amounts of money, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars, into their wallets. While the tax filing deadline is now July 15, there is absolutely no justification for individuals who are experiencing difficulties in covering their rent or grocery expenses to delay filing their tax returns and obtaining their refunds even for a single day, said Amy Everitt, the President of Golden State Opportunity.

Between the various tax credits available in California, including the CalEITC, federal EITC, and state's Young Child Tax Credit, individuals with low income in the state may qualify for a refund of up to $8,000 based on their income and family size. Moreover, those eligible individuals residing in California who have not yet received their $1,200 stimulus check would be able to receive it faster if they file a tax return.

The CalEITC is accessible to individuals aged 18 and above who have been employed in California for a minimum of three months during 2019 and earned less than $30,000. For working parents whose income falls below $30,000 and have a child under the age of 6, they can also benefit from the newly introduced Young Child Tax Credit which can provide up to $1,000. This credit is applicable from the very first dollar of income earned by the parent.