This year, Samaritan House will complete tax returns virtually. There will be no in-person appointments. Tax returns will be completed virtually using the Get Your Refund platform. This platform was designed in partnership with two local nonprofit organizations – Code for America and United Way Bay Area. This is a safe and secure way to send Samaritan House your tax documents. To learn more about the platform’s privacy policies, visit their website: getyourrefund.org/privacy
To begin your application with Samaritan House, visit: GetYourRefund.org/SamHouse. You can begin your application starting January 31st. Learn more about this process below.
Our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, which provides the free tax preparation help, will be open from February 5th to April 5th. This means that tax returns will be completed within this timeframe. However, because we are using the Get Your Refund Platform to complete tax returns virtually, you can gather your information and start your application as soon as late January.
Please note that you will need to have a phone number and be comfortable sending and receiving emails in order to participate in Samaritan House’s tax services this year. This is due to the fact that all returns will be prepared virtually, so we need safe, reliable ways to contact you and send documents.
If you have tax questions, or will not use our tax services this year and want additional resources, you can call Samaritan House’s tax hotline at (650) 523-0804. You can also call the front desk for general resources or information at (650) 347-3648.
The United Way of the Bay Area also has a place to search for other local tax sites, which may offer drop-off, or in-person appointments. Please visit their site, here: https://earnitkeepitsaveit.org/
The IRS offers a few different options as well. Please visit their site, here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Federal tax returns must be completed by April 15, 2024.
This year’s tax process using Get Your Refund:
First, visit GetYourRefund.org/SamHouse to start your application. There, you will answer tax-related questions and upload all required tax documents.
Next, a Samaritan House tax preparer will review your information and contact you to discuss any questions. Once that is complete, they will begin preparing your tax return.
When your tax return is finished, your tax preparer will setup a virtual meeting with you to review it. The tax return will be submitted only after you review it with your tax preparer and provide written consent to submit it.
During the various stages of completing your tax return, tax preparers will be able to call, email, or text you, should they have questions about your forms or information.
Click here to view Samaritan House’s 2024 tax flyer – English | Espanol