LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the Free Tax Prep L.A. 2020 initiative today to offer working families free tax services and help them claim state and federal tax credits.

``Hundreds of thousands of low-income local families are leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table with unclaimed tax credits,'' Garcetti said. ``Free Tax Prep L.A. is meant to turn April 15 from a source of dread for working Angelenos into a prime opportunity for all of us to fulfill our civic duty and access the refunds and resources that can help make childcare, housing, healthcare and groceries more affordable.''

Housed at each of the city's 16 FamilySource Centers and other Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites across the county, Free Tax Prep L.A. connects experts and IRS-certified volunteers to individuals and households making less than $55,000 a year, to help them file for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the CalEITC.

Families may be eligible to receive up to $9,500 back this year, but only if they claim the benefits.

This year's campaign also features the Building a Stronger L.A. initiative, which will connect Angelenos to proven anti-poverty tools and programs, like CalFresh and the new Young Child Tax Credit.

A list of VITA sites and CalFresh enrollment can be found at freetaxprepla.unitedwayla.org/en/find-help/.