Oakland Offers Free Tax Assistance; Tax Credits Available
Published on January 23, 2026
The Alameda County-Oakland Community Action Partnership (AC-OCAP) in the City of Oakland's Human Services Department will host a table at Frank Ogawa Plaza on Friday, January 23rd 11am-2pm to publicize and raise awareness for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit available to working families to enhance their financial stability. Along with the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, CalEITC, Foster Care Credit, and the Young Child Tax Credit, which provides qualifying families with a child under the age of 6 with up to $1,000, families are able to potentially receive tax refunds up to $8,000 to clean up debt, put into a savings, purchase items for their home, and more.
Residents can schedule an appointment to see if they qualify for the tax credits. The City of Oakland No-Cost Tax Preparation site at the West Oakland Public Library will open by appointment only on February 3, 2026. To schedule an appointment, leave a message on the VITA hotline at 510-238-4911 or visit https://go.oncehub.com/CityofOaklandVITA.
“We want to make sure every eligible Oakland resident knows about these tax credits and free tax preparation services,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “These refunds and credits can make a real difference for working families—helping them pay bills, reduce debt, and build financial stability.”
“We’re proud to offer free tax preparation services to help Oaklanders access critical tax credits,” said Jason Lester, Director of Human Services. “This work is possible because of our dedicated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers, who generously give their time and expertise to help put real dollars back into the pockets of hardworking families.”
About the City of Oakland's Alameda County-Oakland Community Action Partnership: The Alameda County-Oakland Community Action Partnership Administrating Board aims to improve our community by creating pathways that lead to economic empowerment and prosperity.
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