What is Just file it!?

Just file it! is a free tax preparation resource for low-income individuals and families to access federal and state credits and refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit. This credit alone can return as much as $4,400 to eligible filers. The Michigan credit union community, with the University of Michigan Michigan Poverty Law Program, has invested in developing this software to help low-income families access these credits without the expense of costly tax prep services. The software behind this program was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, California, under the name I-CAN E-FILE. Those using the Just file it! program will be directed to this site to prepare and complete taxes.

Just file it! fills out tax forms and more!

The Internet-based software module is as simple to use as an ATM. Here's how it works: You have already found the Just file it! icon on our website. Click on the Just file it! logo at the top of this page. After you read the brief introduction, begin by clicking on "Use I-CAN! EIC NOW!"

Who can use Just file it?

Just file it! is available to anyone who has access to a computer that is connected to the Internet and a printer. Access by visiting Communications Family Credit Union's home page at www.comfamcu.org. The program asks you simple questions and walks you through each step and the filing of your return. A video guide appears on the screen, and reads the questions to you. It is offered in English and Spanish.

What are the tax credits for the moderate to low-income?

The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is the most widely known federal tax credit for low-income wage earners. The EITC is refundable, meaning that a household can receive a tax refund above and beyond the household's tax burden. This credit can return as much as $4,400 a year to you at tax time. The average return is about $1,600. To qualify, a taxpayer must meet certain rules and file a tax return, even if the taxpayer doesn't owe any tax or didn't earn enough money to require filing a return.

There are a variety of federal and state tax credits in addition to the EITC that can benefit low- to moderate-income individuals. Additional federal tax credits available based on eligibility include the Child Tax Credit and the Federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. Michigan tax credits include the Home Heating Tax Credit, the Homestead Property Tax Credit, and the Child Deduction.

Will I Qualify for the EIC?

You must meet the following federal requirements:

• Must have a valid Social Security Number
• You must have earned income from employment or from self-employment.
• Your filing status cannot be married, filing separately.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year, or a nonresident alien married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien and filing a joint return.
• You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
• If you do not have a qualifying child, you must:
  • be age 25 but under 65 at the end of the year,
  • live in the United States for more than half the year, and
  • not qualify as a dependent of another person
• Some other special rules may apply

EITC/EIC Income Limits

You also must meet the following income limits. Earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than:

• $35,263 ($37,263 married filing jointly) with two or more qualifying children;
• $31,030 ($33,030 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child;
• $11,750 ($13,750 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.

How Much Credit Could I Receive if I Qualify?

Here are the maximum credits available for the Tax Year 2005 (although the average credit is $1,600):

• $4,400 with two or more qualifying children;
• $2,662 with one qualifying child;
• $399 with no qualifying children.

What Do I Need to Use Just file it?

Before using Just file it, you should have the following paperwork in front of you:

• Your social security number;
• Your spouse's and children's names as they appear on the Social Security card, and their social security numbers;
• All forms that show the income you received in the past year. These may include:
  • All W-2's from employment for you, your spouse and your children
  • Bank Statements which show interest earned on deposits
  • 1098Ts which list educational expenses
  • Your Unemployment statements
• Child Care Information such as:
  • name, phone number, and address of child care facility or individual,
  • amount paid during the year for child care,
  • Federal taxpayer identification number or SS# of facility or individual,
  • whether or not your employer pays part of the child care

If you want to e-file your returns on the Internet instead of printing them out, you should have your email address and password. If you want to get your money directly deposited into your Communications Family Credit Union account, you should have the routing number which is 272484713.

Need More Time?

If you start the system and do not have all the needed information, you can leave the program and return to it later. The program will save everything that you entered and you can come back to it.

Keep Your Copies!

When you are done, Just file it will print a copy of tax forms for you to keep, even if you e-file. If you e-file, you will need to also sign and send in a form called Form 8453 OL. (It is only one-page.)

What if I am Unable to Complete My Tax Return Using Just file it and Need Additional Help?

There are a number of free VITA tax preparation sites located across Michigan where you can get free help from a qualified tax preparer. If you are having trouble completing your taxes you should contact the VITA site closest to you. To locate the closest Michigan VITA site call 1.800.865.8683.

Click here to access the Just File it! website.