TRIBAL ALERT!
FREE TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW-INCOME TAXPAYERS!

CILS NEEDS YOUR HELP TO LET THE INDIAN COMMUNITY KNOW
ABOUT THIS FREE SERVICE WHICH STARTS JANUARY 17.

January 18, 2008

Free Tax Return Assistance

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- income taxpayers using I-CAN!™ E-FILE. ICAN! E-FILE is an online program designed to allow eligible taxpayers to e-file or print out and mail tax returns. The service is available to most HOUSEHOLDS WITH INCOMES UNDER $50,000. Beginning Thursday, January 17, 2008, tax return assistance will be available over the phone through CILS at 800-743-8941 or you can use the simple online program by clicking HERE.

Get Extra Money Back with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The program helps qualified users claim the EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, a special credit for low-income workers. The EITC is overlooked by many taxpayers, even though it can add THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to their tax return. Many who qualify for the EITC don’t know how to claim it or lose out on much of their return by paying high fees to commercial tax preparers who promote high interest Refund Anticipation Loans. Even those taxpayers not eligible for the EITC may still be able to complete their tax returns using the I-CAN! E-FILE service if their household income is under $50,000.

Help with Special Indian Tax Issues

CILS has helped ensure that the ICAN! E-FILE system addresses many specialized issues faced by Indian taxpayers, such as reporting Per Capita and Revenue Sharing Trust Fund distributions correctly and determining what income earned in Indian Country may be exempt from state tax.

How Can Your Tribe Help?

We need your help to make sure the California Indian community is aware of the EITC and this free service offered through CILS. Here is what you can do:

• Mention our tax services and the EITC in your tribal newsletter. Contact us if you would like us to send you a sample newsletter blurb or longer article.
• Make announcements at Tribal Council meetings, or other large gatherings.
• Post and distribute flyers and posters about our tax services or mail them directly to your tribal members. CILS will mail these to your office mid-December.
• Place flyer inserts in paycheck envelopes of Tribal employees.
• If you can provide room space and internet access and can confirm a minimum number of attendees, CILS may be able to conduct a tax clinic at your facilities.

If you would like to help or for more information, please contact Angela Medrano, CILS Staff Attorney, at (760) 746-8941, ext 107, or amedrano@calindian.org.

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The I-CAN!™ E-FILE Module was created by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County.
Not all taxpayers will be eligible for this service or the EITC.

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