United Way launches Vita pilot program in Pajaro to assist in tax filing

PAJARO, Calif. (KION-TV) -- As tax season closes out in April, United Way Monterey County (UWMC) is offering extra help to people living in Pajaro.

UWMC has a free tax preparation service that is extending help to walk-ins. The service is through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, according to United Way Monterey County.

"This is all about not only the financial stability of that filer, but also for us as a community to make sure our hard workers are getting the refunds that are owed to them," said Katy Castagna, United Way Monterey County CEO.

The VITA volunteers have already been helping people with their taxes twice this year so far, and will be back again on March 25 and April 8.

UWMC says that they've helped 10 Pajaro households file their taxes this year with an overall total of 400 households.

Their goal is to help 50 Pajaro families in total.

Walk-in Site Locations:

Center for Employment Training - Salinas
24 East Alvin Dr., Salinas, CA 93906
Drop Off Service
Wednesdays 4:30pm-7pm, 2/5 – 4/9

Cesar Chavez Library
615 Williams Rd., Salinas, CA 93905
Same Day Service
Saturdays 11am-3pm, 2/8 – 4/12

Hartnell College - Main Campus
411 Central Ave., Building B, Rm 110, Salinas, CA 93906
Same Day Service
Thursdays 5:30pm-9pm, 2/6 – 4/10, Closed on 3/27

Hartnell College - Alisal Campus
1752 E. Alisal St. RM C-213, Salinas, CA 93905
Same Day Service
Saturdays 9am-1:30pm, 2/8 – 4/12, Closed on 3/29

Casa de la Cultura Center
225 Salinas Rd., Pajaro, CA 95076
Same Day Service
Tuesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm, 2/25, 3/11, 3/25 & 4/8

Appointment Site Locations:

Center for Employment Training - Soledad
930 Los Coches Rd. Soledad, CA 93960
Same Day Service
Saturdays 9am-12pm, 2/8 – 4/12

Marina Library
190 Seaside Cir. Marina, CA 93933
Drop Off Service
Saturdays 10am-12:30pm, 2/7 – 4/11

United Way Monterey County
232 Monterey St. Suite 200,Salinas, CA 93901
Drop Off Service
Tuesdays 2pm-4pm, 2/4 – 4/9

The VITA program is accessible by visiting unitedwaymcca.org/freetaxprep.