ACTION CENTER
Strengthening the California Earned Income Tax Credit
Californians, especially families and individuals on fixed incomes, are spending a larger share of their monthly paychecks to cover soaring costs of living in the Golden State.
This year, Prosper California is sponsoring AB 398 (D-Ahrens) to boost families’ ability to afford expenses for basic necessities like food, housing, and childcare. AB 398 builds on the success of the California Earned Income Tax Credit by increasing the minimum CalEITC refund amount from $1 to $300. Strengthening the CalEITC will help ensure families earning less than about $32,000 can access up to $3,644 in state tax credits.
Take action today! Share these sample social media posts to thank Assemblymember Ahrens for his leadership and urge state lawmakers to support families and children!
Expanding the Young Child Tax Credit
No child should grow up in poverty – not in California, not anywhere.
That’s why Prosper California is sponsoring AB 397 (D-González) to expand the Young Child Tax Credit to all children, regardless of their age, to ensure they have the support they need to thrive. The YCTC provides a credit of up to $1,154 for families earning less than roughly $32,000. We know it doesn’t get cheaper to raise a child when they turn six, so this bill would lift the age gap for children up to the age of 18 and in some cases, young adults up to 23.
Engage in our campaign! Share these sample social media posts to thank Assemblymember González for championing the YCTC to reduce child poverty!
Restoring Investments in Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Free tax preparation services are a crucial resource that saves families hundreds of dollars in filing fees AND connects them with cash to cover the basics like gas, groceries, and childcare.
Free Tax Prep Assistance and Outreach & Education programs play an important role in connecting diverse communities with free tax prep, ensuring families can file their taxes accurately, claim the credits they are entitled to, and access additional support like ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) application assistance and enrollment in CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal.
This year, Prosper California is partnering with legislative leaders to restore $20 million in funding for these essential programs after a 40% reduction in funding — in other words, a loss of $8 million in vital funds — in the FY 24-25 state budget. By dedicating $20 million annually toward these much-needed and community-rooted programs, state legislators and the Governor can ensure that Californians continue to receive the support they need to file their state and federal tax returns and claim their tax credits.
Stay tuned for more information to engage in our campaign!
