California Indian Legal Services

Free Assistance Preparing your Tax Return

This tax season, CALIFORNIA INDIAN LEGAL SERVICES is again partnering with the LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF ORANGE COUNTY to provide free tax return assistance to low and middle income taxpayers using I-CAN!TM E-FILE. This program guides you through a simple series of questions, with the end product being your completed state and federal tax forms. This program serves most HOUSEHOLDS WITH SIMPLE TAX SITUATIONS. Don’t lose out by paying high fees to commercial tax preparers who promote high interest Refund Anticipation Loans.

Tax return assistance will be available over the phone through CILS at 800-743-8941 or through a link on the CILS web-page at www.calindian.org beginning Friday, January 16, 2009.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The program is specially designed to ensure that eligible taxpayers claim the EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT. The EITC is a special credit for low-income workers. It is often overlooked, even though it can add THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to your tax return.

Help with Special Indian Tax Issues
CILS helped with development of the ICAN! E-FILE program to ensure that many of the special income tax issues facing Indian taxpayers are addressed. For more information, visit the i-can efile website.

Help Spread the Word!
CILS needs your help to spread the word around the California Indian community. Here’s what you can do:

• Use your tribal newsletter. Contact us if for a sample newsletter blurb or longer article.
• Make announcements at Tribal meetings, or other large gatherings.
• Post and distribute flyers and posters about our tax services or mail them directly to your tribal members. You will receive these in the mail from our office soon!
• Place flyer inserts in paycheck envelopes of Tribal employees. You don’t have to be Indian to use this service.