Palo Alto commissioners hear push to expand outreach for state and federal tax credits

Amy Everett, president of Golden State Opportunity, told the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission on Nov. 13 that the state and federal earned income tax credits (EITC) deliver large, annual cash refunds to low‑income workers and families, but many eligible households do not claim them.

"This is money they've already earned," Everett said, describing Golden State Opportunity’s multilingual outreach, an online calculator, and free tax-prep clinics that in 2025 helped millions of Californians claim more than $1.4 billion overall and put $27 million directly back into pockets through GSO’s work.

Everett highlighted local impacts for Santa Clara County: tens of thousands of households claimed CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit in recent years, but an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 households in the county remain unclaimed, leaving roughly $20–30 million on the table. She said CalEITC is capped by income (the program’s eligibility limit was discussed as $32,000 in the presentation) and that the Young Child Tax Credit can be as much as $1,000 for eligible children under age 6.

Sally Lieber, vice chair of the California State Board of Equalization, urged the commission to use city channels and contract relationships to amplify outreach. "Palo Alto can disproportionately move the needle by supporting bills and helping people access information," Lieber said, noting that local contracts and work sites are trusted touchpoints for support workers who may qualify for credits.

Commissioners focused questions on eligibility for seniors and residents without Social Security numbers. Presenters clarified that CalEITC is available to taxpayers who use ITINs (individual taxpayer identification numbers) and that federal EITC and some federal child‑credit rules require Social Security numbers and have other age-based restrictions under current federal law. Everett and Lieber repeatedly emphasized that CalEITC does not count against other public benefits in California, increasing its usefulness for low‑income households.

On barriers, Everett described misinformation and distrust of government as central problems: some residents do not file taxes because they believe they do not earn enough to benefit or fear repercussions. She said local, trusted organizations and hyper-local outreach (texting, community events, door‑to‑door outreach coordinated with community-based organizations) produce the strongest uptake. Golden State Opportunity said it recruits and trains VITA volunteers (an 8‑hour, IRS‑aligned volunteer training that can be delivered in multiple formats) and urged Palo Alto to publicize volunteer opportunities and free tax-prep resources on city communications channels.

In public comment, Deborah Grant, executive director of La Comida, asked whether Golden State Opportunity or partners could present directly to seniors at La Comida’s meal sites; Everett agreed and directed the group to the GSO website for coordination. Commissioners followed by discussing the possibility of GSO working with local service providers, libraries and the Day Worker Center to reach unhoused and vehicle‑dwelling residents.

What’s next: presenters said a statewide CalEITC online locator and expanded online filing tools (partnerships with Code for America) will be available in January; the commission did not take formal legislative action but discussed outreach steps and volunteer recruitment. The commission’s staff and community partners were asked to follow up with Golden State Opportunity to arrange local presentations and volunteer recruitment drives.