Today, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) raised awareness for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which provides free tax assistance at a number of sites in San Diego. The VITA program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers and helps working families, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English prepare their taxes and determine their eligibility for tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

“Many families are unaware of the resources available to help them complete their filing this tax season,” said Rep. Peters. “With the help of the volunteers at VITA sites across the county we can give working families the resources they need to save money.”

The event took place at 2-1-1 San Diego, which connects San Diegans with VITA appointments, and included Thrive San Diego, which assists individuals and families in achieving financial stability.

“We are pleased to provide a real person around the clock to make it as easy as possible for San Diegans to get connected to the help they need,” said John Ohanian, President and CEO of 2-1-1 San Diego. “Through the power of technology and partnerships, 2-1-1 can set appointments for individuals at their local VITA sites in real time.”

"Our goal at Thrive is to make sure that we are bringing together partners throughout the community to get people the financial support they need and put more of their money back in their pockets," added Teresa Smith of Thrive San Diego.

To determine their eligibility for the VITA program and find the location most convenient for them, San Diegans can call 2-1-1 San Diego or Congressman Peters’ San Diego Office, or visit the IRS website. Listed below are the 10 VITA sites in neighborhoods represented by Congressman Peters.

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Map of VITA sites in the 52^nd district.

Point Loma Library- 3701 Voltaire St. San Diego CA 92107

North Clairemont Library- 4616 Clairemont Dr., San Diego CA 92117

Pacific Beach Library- 4275 Cass St., San Diego CA 92109

North University Community Library- 8820 Judicial Dr., San Diego CA 92122

Mira Mesa Senior Center- 8460 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego CA 92126

SAY San Diego - Chinese Service Center- 5075 Ruffin Road, San Diego CA 92123

Poway Senior Center- 13094 Civic Center Dr., Poway CA 92064

SAY San Diego - Mira Mesa Branch Library- 8405 New Salem Street, San Diego CA 92126

United Way of San Diego - Mobile Disability- 4699 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego CA 92123

Rancho Bernardo Senior Services- 16769 Bernardo Center Dr Ste K14, San Diego CA 92128