Meet the Latina Who is Helping People Find Financial Resources

Golden State Opportunity, is a non-profit group dedicated to helping improve the lives of people throughout the state. They are focused on helping people connect with financial resources that can lift them out of poverty and help them to thrive and succeed.

One of their main focuses right now is raising awareness of the California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit and we got to talk with Sabrina De Santiago, Senior Director of Policy & Programs about the California Earned Income Tax Credit.

When and how did you get involved with Golden State Opportunity?

I joined Golden State Opportunity in 2020 to lead our policy team and promote anti-poverty
policies like the California Earned Tax Credit that help low-income communities build and retain
financial stability.

What can you tell us about the California Earned Income Tax Credit?
The “California Earned Income Tax Credit” or CalEITC is a cashback tax credit for California
workers who file their state taxes. The total amount you can receive depends on how much
income you earned in previous years and the size of your family. You can use our free calculator
powered by Intuit to find out what tax credits you qualify for at CalEITC4Me.org.

Can people still apply for the tax credit if they don’t have a social security number?
If you work in California and you don’t have a Social Security number, you can apply for an
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your taxes and claim the CalEITC.

What resources are available to help people file their taxes?
There are IRS-trained tax experts who provide free tax preparation services, including ITIN
application assistance, available in your community and online. It’s easy, trustworthy, and
completely free, so you can use all of your tax refund for the things you need most. Find a
location near you at CalEITC4Me.org/file-in-person.

What can you tell us about the Young Child Tax Credit?
If you’re a parent of a child under 6 and qualify for the CalEITC, you could also qualify for a tax
credit of up to $1,083 called the Young Child Tax Credit. All you have to do is file your taxes and
claim.

Is there still time to file my taxes?
Yes! Most counties in California have until October 16 to file taxes because of all the winter
storms. So if you haven’t filed yet, it’s not too late. Make an appointment as soon as you can.