Community, Credits and Cash Back: The 2026 CalEITC Bus Tour
May 18, 2026
There’s still time to get money back this tax season — and help is literally rolling into town.
Golden State Opportunity, LAVITA, and Community Services Employment Training (CSET) have hit the road with the CalEITC Bus Tour, bringing free tax prep straight to communities across California. The goal? Help families claim valuable credits like the CalEITC and Young Child Tax Credit — worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars for households earning under $32,900.
The tour launched April 27 and runs through June 27, making weekly stops across the Central Valley, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties alongside trusted local partners.
This year, the tour is bigger and better.
“One thing that makes Golden State Opportunity different is how quickly we act on what we hear from communities,” said Amy Everitt, President of GSO. “After last year’s bus tour, it was clear: too many Californians don’t have access to free, trusted tax help. Expanding this tour is our way of closing that gap — showing up, providing support, and helping families get the cash back they’re owed.”
The bus isn’t just about filing taxes. It’s about making the process easier and more accessible. With support from GetYourRefund and LAVITA’s virtual team, people can upload documents on-site and finish their taxes remotely — no long waits required. In addition to free tax filing, the tour offers tax guidance, one-on-one support, and connections to longer-term financial resources.
It’s also about building trust. “Our goal is to file as many tax returns as we can,” said Andy Rodriguez, GSO’s Senior Manager of Organizing. “But building trust is at the heart of this work. When we show up, listen, and make taxes feel manageable, people are much more likely to take that first step.”
As California moves away from paper checks, the tour is also piloting a new program in Ventura County with Premier America Credit Union to connect unbanked filers with access to direct deposit.
“Our job is to make life easier for people who are struggling financially. If we can help them access their money faster and safer, that’s a win we will scale statewide,” said Everitt.
Bottom line: if you haven’t filed yet, there’s still time — and there’s still money on the table.
And the bus might be headed your way next.