By Gordon Chavez, financial reporter
For many families, tax season brings stress and uncertainty. For Latino households—especially those with mixed immigration status—that stress can feel heavier. Questions often come up early: Should we file? What information is required? Who can we trust to help us?
Preparing early doesn’t mean rushing to file. It means slowing down, getting organized, and making informed decisions before tax season arrives. One of those decisions may be choosing the person you trust to prepare your return.
Anyone who earns income in the United States may be required to file a tax return, often using either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Laws and policies can change, so families should stay informed rather than relying on assumptions. Working with a trusted, reputable tax preparer who understands immigrant and mixed-status households is essential. In North County, organizations like Interfaith Community Services can offer support.
Logan Goverman, Marketing & Advocacy Strategist at Interfaith Community Services, shares, “For more than 20 years, Interfaith Community Services has proudly partnered with the IRS to provide the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to our community. Our team of trained volunteers delivers free tax preparation services throughout North County. In the past year alone, our VITA program returned more than $3 million to local taxpayers, underscoring its profound impact.” Programs like VITA provide free, trained assistance for families who qualify.
Preparation also starts with organization. Gathering income documents like W-2s or 1099s, last year’s return, identification numbers, and records for childcare, education, or medical expenses can reduce errors and rushed decisions.
Recent news has added confusion. In 2025, reports surfaced about a proposed arrangement that would have allowed limited IRS data sharing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A federal judge later blocked the IRS from sharing taxpayer address information with ICE, reinforcing existing privacy protections while legal questions continue.
At its core, preparing for tax season is about protecting your household. Taking time now to organize and ask questions can help you move forward with greater clarity and care.
