San Francisco Announces Free Tax Preparation Services and Celebrates 20 Years of the City’s Working Families Credit

San Francisco, CA –  Treasurer José Cisneros and the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA) are pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Free Tax Prep Campaign. This annual initiative provides free, expert tax preparation services to low-income residents, helping them claim vital tax credits, including the Working Families Credit (WFC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Child Tax Credits. 

Eligible residents can access thousands of dollars in refunds and credits through the program. With the average cost of professional tax preparation exceeding $200, the City’s free tax services ensure that residents not only save on fees but also maximize their financial benefits.

Treasurer Cisneros and SFHSA are also celebrating a milestone anniversary as the Working Families Credit reaches twenty years of supporting thousands of local families.

Free Tax Assistance 

Through partnerships with local organizations, including United Way Bay Area and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), San Francisco’s free tax prep services are available at numerous locations citywide. Additionally, SFHSA service centers located at 170 Otis Street and 3120 Mission Street offer in-person assistance from IRS-certified tax preparers. These services are also accessible to individuals with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs).

San Francisco’s Working Families Credit Twenty Year Milestone

Established by Cisneros in 2005, the Working Families Credit was one of the first and still remains as one of only a handful of tax credits administered by localities. Since 2005, the Working Families Credit has received applications from over 100,000 local families, distributing more than $10 million in direct financial assistance. The program’s twenty-year milestone highlights the ongoing impact of this service and encourages eligible filers to apply for the $250 credit.

“As we celebrate 20 years of the Working Families Credit, we are reminded that the most efficient and effective way to help struggling families is to put money directly into their hands,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “Families know best how to address their own needs. By trusting families to make the right choices, we not only uplift individual households but also strengthen the financial resilience of our entire community.”

A Broader Impact on Financial Equity

Tax credits and refunds can significantly impact household finances, especially for low-income families. Combined federal, state, and local tax credits can provide as much as $8,050 in refunds, with additional Child Tax Credits potentially adding $4,600 more. Even individuals with little to no income are encouraged to file, as some credits are only accessible through tax returns.

“Tax credits are an effective tool to get additional money into households that desperately need it,” said Trent Rhorer, SFHSA Executive Director. “Our clients and many community members aren’t required to file their taxes—but they have a great deal to gain if they do file. We’re encouraging City residents with incomes under $67,000 to come to our offices or other free tax sites around San Francisco for help with filing their taxes and claiming the refunds owed them.” 

Specialized Outreach for Vulnerable Populations

The Free Tax Prep Outreach Campaign is a collaborative effort led by SFHSA and Treasurer José Cisneros. The outreach campaign reflects the City’s commitment to equity by ensuring all eligible residents can access the financial resources they need to thrive. 

This year’s campaign includes targeted outreach to ensure underserved communities can access these vital services. SFHSA is collaborating with:

• Local organizations like United Way Bay Area and MEDA
• Community-based nonprofits like John Burton Advocates for Youth and First Place for Youth 
• Foster youth and former foster youth through San Francisco CASA

Additionally, the campaign with leverage multilingual outreach, including materials in Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Russian, to reach diverse communities across the city.

How to Access Free Tax Services

Residents can access free tax preparation services from January 2025 through the April 15 filing deadline. Filers should bring the following documents to their appointment:

• Income records for 2024 (e.g., W-2s, 1099s)
• Social Security Number or ITIN
• Valid photo ID
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Reportable expenses, such as childcare costs

To use one of SFHSA’s two in-person tax sites, the City encourages people to call ahead to schedule an appointment, as tax prep assistance is in high demand, or drop by between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday:

• 170 Otis Street – (415) 209-5143
• 3120 Mission Street – (415) 487-3240

Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit sfhsa.org/freetaxhelp to find free tax prep locations, schedule appointments, or access drop-off services. 

Due to high volume, some locations may be drop-off only and may not be able to complete the filing process on the same day. If same-day tax preparation is needed, please check which tax sites offer that service by calling 2-1-1, reviewing the site information shown on the UWBA.org free tax help map, contacting a tax site directly, or asking a tax preparer before they start a tax return.
 

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