Code for America gets Google funding to expand AI tax assistance

Code for America will use new funding from Google.org, the tech giant’s philanthropic arm, to expand an artificial intelligence tool designed to help volunteers process tax documents for low-income families. 

The civic tech nonprofit is one of 15 organizations selected for the $30 million Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Government Innovation grant. The funding will support an AI-powered document screening tool for GetYourRefund, Code for America’s virtual tax-filing service. 

Launched in 2020 with support from the IRS and partnerships with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance organizations, GetYourRefund has helped more than 387,000 Americans file their taxes and claim nearly $657 million in refunds, according to Code for America. The new tool will review documents uploaded by taxpayers and flag cases that can move forward to preparation or require additional review. 

The goal is to let volunteer tax preparers spend less time on routine document screening and more time handling complicated tax questions. 

“We believe in AI that makes people’s lives better. This initiative is an opportunity to demonstrate the true measure of this technology,” Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, said in a statement about the funding. “For the families we serve through GetYourRefund, that means an easier path to filing their taxes, claiming the benefits they have earned, and building greater financial security.”

The civic tech nonprofit has identified tax benefits and other safety net programs as areas where technology can help reduce administrative burdens. 

In July, the organization partnered with Colorado and New Jersey to test a new online filing platform called Simple File, following the federal government’s discontinuation of Direct File, a free and short-lived service designed to allow eligible taxpayers to file their federal income taxes directly with the IRS. The Trump administration canceled the program last year after several states had started integrating the IRS-developed system into their own digital tax services.

The new tax project also comes as Code for America expands its use of AI in government services in recent months. The organization used AI to help make government documents more accessible and partnered with Anthropic on tools to help SNAP caseworkers navigate complex eligibility rules. 

A 2025 report published by the nonprofit revealed that while many states are interested in using artificial intelligence to improve digital services, most are still in the early stages. It found only three states — New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Utah — have made major strides in building their AI capabilities by hiring tech experts, training workers and upgrading outdated systems. 

Of the remaining 47 states, the report determined most are in the “developing” stage, still experimenting with AI projects, and often running small pilot programs or relying on outside partnerships with universities or technology companies for help.