Financial Wellness
Learn more about Calfresh and then apply by clicking here.
Learn more about all of the services provided by the state of California at their website.
The key to succeeding in college, and in life, is making smart, savvy choices. When it comes to budgeting, banking, credit, and long-term finances, the choices aren’t always easy to navigate.
Santa Barbara City College understands hard work and dedication is only half the battle. You need real-world financial knowledge and skills to get the most out of your higher education. We are proud to present this financial literacy mini-site, full of tools, information and resources focused on critical financial topics for college students.
The friendly staff at the SBCC financial aid office are available to help you in a variety of ways; coming out of the pandemic has allowed us to be creative in assisting students. Available to help via phone, virtual front desk or in-person.
Tax Preparation Assistance
The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year. Tax returns are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. Tax preparation will take place from February - April, 2023.
Volunteers will see between 20-25 clients a day depending on volunteer availability. We serve clients on a first come first serve basis. We will stop accepting clients 30 minutes before closing.
IRS Free File lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online for free. File at an IRS partner site with the IRS Free File Program or use Free File Fillable Forms. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return. If your income is below $72,000, you will receive free tax preparation assistance
H&R Block Free Online tax filing service offers a multitude of Federal & State tax filing services for free. Students will love the fast, easy features, while parents can get info about the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit, including the IRS letters needed before filing.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free help for taxpayers who qualify.
State of California Franchise Tax Board
You may be able to get help with your taxes for free.
This includes:
- Help with filling out forms
- What to do if you owe money
- If you qualify for the EITC tax credit
If you live in California you can get free tax help from these programs:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), if you:
- Make $57,000 or less, generally
- Have disabilities, or
- Speak limited English
- Are active duty or retired military personnel, or a dependent
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), if you’re at least 60 years old