MALIBU — Free tax assistance will be provided from February 1 to March 29 for taxpayers earning less than $51,567 a year. The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) and Franchise Tax Board will be partnering up to offer this service, which includes free income tax preparation assistance and other family services as a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).

“This initiative will help our mutual constituents build wealth, stimulate the local economies, and gain access to millions in state, local, and federal services,” said Chairman Jerome E. Horton, 4th District Board Member, in a letter to Malibu Councilmember Lou La Monte. The event was also held last year and was able to save $3.7 million in federal tax credits by helping Californians file their tax returns.

This year, qualified taxpayers who earn less than the designated income will be eligible to receive up to $6,044 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which will be given in the form of a cash payment in addition to any tax refunds. This is to prevent money being lost in the form of unclaimed EITC, in Los Angeles County, $370 million in EITC goes unclaimed every year, according to the Chairman’s letter.

The events will be held at various locations throughout Los Angeles County; the VITA program will have its own separate schedule at BOE district offices inWest Covina, Culver City, Norwalk, Ventura and Van Nuys. For dates, times and locations, visit http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=82.