Bill > SB624

This bill addresses tax guidance and support for nonminor dependents (former foster youth) by requiring the California Department of Social Services to issue comprehensive tax-related guidance to county welfare and juvenile probation departments by July 1, 2026. The guidance must include information about the foster youth tax credit, strategies for increasing awareness about tax credits, and opportunities to partner with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. Additionally, county welfare and juvenile probation departments must annually mail information to nonminor dependents between November 1 and January 31, detailing tax filing requirements, eligibility for various tax credits (including the foster youth tax credit, earned income tax credit, and others), and resources for free tax preparation assistance. The bill mandates that this guidance be updated at least every two years and requires departments to host educational workshops to help foster youth understand and file their taxes. While the bill increases local agencies' responsibilities, it includes provisions to ensure potential additional costs are considered within existing funding frameworks. The overall goal is to improve financial literacy and tax credit access for former foster youth.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB624