I-CAN! E-File Launches for Tax-Filing Season
Last week, I-CAN! E-File launched. One of my favorite projects, this site walks you through filling out your tax forms and then files your federal return. (It also files your state return if you are filing in Alaska, California, Michigan, Montana, New York, or Pennsylvania.)
This project helps to ensure that low-income households claim their Earned Income Tax Credit, an important component of the United States' anti-poverty program. The Earned Income Tax Credit makes a significant difference for low-income households. Last year, I-CAN! E-File put $33 million in refunds and credits in the pockets of low-income workers in 45 states. One woman that I talked with about the EITC informed me that her refund would be used as a security deposit for the apartment she wanted to rent. This apartment would let her to move her children out of their rented trailer, which was warmed with only a space heater.
If your legal aid or pro bono program isn't educating clients about the Earned Income Tax Credit, an amazing opportunity is being overlooked. Encourage your program to start. Legal Aid Society of Orange County has made the I-CAN! E-File system available, and outreach materials are available from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, so your program just needs to use them to get the message about the Earned Income Tax Credit out.
And a special shout out to AJ Tavares, whom I saw at the TIG Conference last week. AJ is the technical mind behind I-CAN! projects. As is typical for this time of year, he looked exhausted. Turns out that he loves going to the TIG Conference, but it usually happens at the same time that he is trying to launch I-CAN! E-File, so he ends up working day and night to do both. AJ, I hope that you get to sleep soon! - K
