File Your Taxes for Free
Free tax filing support for current and former foster youth. We’ll help you find credits you qualify for, connect you with free tax prep, and walk you through every step.
Tax filing deadline: April 15, 2026. Don’t leave money on the table — you may qualify for refundable tax credits that put cash back in your pocket, even if you owe no taxes.
Upcoming Tax Workshops
Join our free virtual workshops to learn tax basics and get your questions answered live.
March 19, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Tax Tactics: File Your Taxes Confidently
Filing your taxes can feel overwhelming — but we’re here to help! Join this workshop to learn tax basics, understand common forms, and get tips for gig and consulting work. You’ll walk away with a tax resource guide full of free tools.
Hosted by Jamie Bennett
Register FreeApril 4, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
For the Love of Money! (And Keeping It Too)
An hour-long session covering tax basics, common forms, and key considerations for those doing gig or consulting work. Includes a tax resource guide with free information to help you keep more of what you earn.
Hosted by Jamie Bennett · In partnership with Cetera
Register FreeCA Foster Youth Tax Credit
If you were in foster care in California, you may qualify for an additional refundable credit worth up to $1,189. Check if you’re eligible:
FYTC Requirements (All Must Apply)
Not sure if you qualify for CalEITC? If you earned income in 2025 and your total was under $32,900, you likely do. A VITA volunteer or our team can help you figure it out.
The FYTC has returned $17.2 million to over 16,000 foster youth.
Since the credit launched, it’s also helped unlock an estimated $18.66 million in additional credits young people didn’t know they were owed.
What Could I Get?
Multiple credits can stack together. Here’s what you might be eligible for:
CA Foster Youth Tax Credit (FYTC)
Foster Youth$1,189
Refundable credit for foster youth ages 18–25 who were in CA foster care at age 13+
CA Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
Up to $3,756
Based on income and number of qualifying children. Up to $302 with no children.
Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC)
Up to $1,189
If you have a child under 6. Requires CalEITC eligibility.
Federal EITC
Up to $7,830
Based on income and qualifying children. Age 25+ required if no children.
Example: A 22-year-old former foster youth in California with no children and $15,000 income
Could receive: $1,189 (FYTC) + $302 (CalEITC) = $1,491 back. With a child under 6, that number goes higher.
What Do I Need?
Gather these documents before you file or visit a VITA site:
Missing documents? Don’t let that stop you. Our team can help you figure out what you need and where to get it. Reach out through the community.
How to File (For Free)
You should never have to pay to file your taxes. Here are your best options:
VITA Free Tax Prep
IRS-certified volunteers prepare your return for free. In person at community centers, libraries, and other locations.
Find a VITA Site Near YouIRS Free File
Free guided tax software online if your income is $89,000 or less. Eight partner products available.
Access IRS Free FileCalFile (California)
File your California state return directly with the Franchise Tax Board for free.
File with CalFileNeed Help? We’ll Walk You Through It.
We’re not certified tax preparers, but we’ve helped hundreds of community members navigate the filing process. Here’s what we can do:
Walk-Through Support
We’ll sit with you (virtually) and walk through the filing process step by step. No question is too basic.
Document Help
Missing a W-2? Not sure what an ITIN is? We’ll help you figure out what you need and how to get it.
VITA Connection
We’ll connect you with a local VITA volunteer who can prepare and file your return for free.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit a resource request through our community and a team member will reach out to help you with your taxes.
Request Tax Support in Our CommunityFree for all community members. Not a member yet? Signing up takes 2 minutes.
Common Questions
Do I have to pay taxes if I’m in foster care?
If you earned income, you may need to file. But here’s the thing — filing is how you get money back. The FYTC is refundable, meaning the state sends you a check even if you owe nothing.
I’ve never filed taxes before. Is that a problem?
Not at all. VITA volunteers are trained to help first-time filers. And our team has walked hundreds of members through the process. You can also file for previous years if you missed credits.
What if I was in foster care in another state?
The FYTC is specifically for California foster care. However, you may still qualify for CalEITC, the federal EITC, and other credits regardless of where you were in care. File anyway — you might be surprised.
I didn’t file last year. Can I still get the credit?
Yes. You can file prior year returns to claim credits you missed. A VITA volunteer or our team can help you file for previous years.
Is Foster Greatness a tax preparer?
No. We’re not certified tax professionals and we don’t prepare or file returns. We provide peer support to help you understand the process, gather your documents, and connect with free certified tax preparers through VITA.
I turned 26 in 2025. Do I still qualify for the FYTC?
It depends on your birthday. If you were 25 or younger on December 31, 2025, you qualify. If you turned 26 before that date, you don’t qualify for the FYTC but may still be eligible for other credits.
Information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.