Free Tax Preparation For Californians Who Need It Most

Free Tax Preparation Services

File4Free provides free, confidential tax preparation to eligible individuals and families across California. Our services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteers through trusted nonprofit programs. We help people file their taxes accurately and claim valuable tax credits, including the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). 

Elegibility Guidelines

Our 2025 Numbers

Taxes Filed
0 k+
Taxpayers Claimed +1 Federal Tax Credit
0 k+
Taxpayers Claimed CalEITC
0 k+
in Federal & State Tax Refunds
0 m+
Acceptance Rate
0 %

Book an Appointment

Main Office - South LA

Mercado la Paloma
3655 S. Grand Ave. Ste 240
Los Angeles, CA 90007

*Appointments required

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FAQ's

I make more than $67,000- can I still use your free tax prep service?

Yes! Generally this is a case by case decision, but if you make more than that threshold- we should be able to provide you with free tax prep so long as it is not including complicated forms or out of scope items.

  • Valid or current photo identification for yourself and for your spouse (if applicable)
  • Physical Social Security card or ITIN for yourself and each family member on your taxes
  • W-2 forms for each job worked during the tax year you’re filing for or taxable source of income (if applicable)
  • Any relevant and applicable 1098 or 1099 forms (e.g. 1098-T, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1098 Mortgage Interest Form, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC)
  • 1095-A Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (if applicable e.g. Covered California/Obamacare)
  • IP PIN: Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (if applicable)
  • Bank account and routing numbers if you prefer direct deposit/direct debit
  • Unmasked wage and income transcripts from the IRS and the state you’re filing for (applicable only if you’re missing certain documents)

Yes, we will help you create a Schedule C to report that income and expenses. Keep in mind, there are certain expenses/items that we are not able to attach to your return (e.g. home office deduction, vehicle expenses other than mileage, net losses, expenses worth more than $35,000, employee expenses, hobby not for profit income, inventory, etc.) 

No, we must see the physical Social Security card of everyone attached to your return. This is required by the IRS. There may be certain government official documents that we may be able to use in place, but it is not a guarantee. Please reach out to a volunteer for more information. If you need a replacement card, visit https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card or call +1 800-772-1213 for additional help.

An IP PIN (Identity Protection Personal Identification Number) is a six digit number issued by the IRS to help protect taxpayers from identity theft. This is a layer of security to your Social Security number or ITIN when you file your federal tax return. To see if you have one, create or login to your IRS.gov through ID.me to see if you have one. If you or anyone on your return has an IP PIN, we must obtain those numbers to file electronically.

No, to be able to use the Wage and Income transcript from the IRS, it must be unmasked. Meaning all the business EINs and your Social Security number/ITIN must be completely unblocked. To request an unmasked Wage and Income transcript, call +1 844-545-5640 to request an unmasked Wage and Income transcript for the year you’re filing for.

Additionally, this will only be on the federal level. If you’re wanting to file for the state you’re residing in, you will need to contact your state’s Franchise Tax Board to request your Wage and Income transcript at the state’s level. For California, you can call +1 800-852-5711 and request the transcript or visit https://www.ftb.ca.gov/ to create an account, or visit any California Franchise Tax Board office.

Unfortunately, we are unable to file for couples married filing separately in California. This is a guideline given to us by the IRS.

Yes, however; we only work on amending returns that Haven Services filed. If we did not originally file your return, we cannot work on amending for you. Additionally, we only offer amending returns at our main office at Mercado La Paloma. We do not offer this service at pop up events or during tax season (January-April). If you have to amend a return, please bring your original 1040 and 540 since we will need these documents.

Community Tax Prep Centers

Mariposa Center

8550 Jefferson St. Paramount, CA 90723

Every Sunday (closed Easter)

  • 10:00AM – 4:00PM
  • Appointments required.

Paramount Park

14400 Paramount Blvd. Paramount, CA 90723

Every Wednesday

  • 11:00AM – 7:00PM
  • Appointments recommended.

El Nido Family Center

2069 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Tuesdays, Thursdays, & 1st Saturday of Month

  • 11:00AM – 7:00PM
  • Appointments recommended.

El Centro del Pueblo

1824 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tuesdays, Thursdays, 1st Saturday of Month

  • 10AM – 6PM
  • Appointments recommended

All People’s Community Center

822 E 20th St, Los Angeles, CA 90011

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & 1st Saturday of Month

  • 11:00AM – 7:00PM
  • Appointments recommended.

Barrio Action Youth/Family Center

4927 Huntington Dr N #200, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Tuesdays (10AM-6PM), Thursdays (12-8PM), & 1st Saturday of Month

  • Time TBD
  • Appointments recommended.

West LA Veterans Affairs

Please call for directions & location.

Based on availability.

  • Must be a current VA resident.
  • Not open to public.

Call Lindsey Flores to schedule: (323) 307-6954

Mercado La Paloma

3655 S Grand Ave # 280, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Every Sunday (closed on Easter)

Upcoming Tax Prep Events

Puente Learning Center
Marvin Avenue Elementary
UDW Riverside
SPIRITT Whittier
Santa Monica Public Library – Pico Branch
SPIRITT El Monte

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