Prepare Federal Taxes Online:
Get Earned Income Tax Credit

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a $32 billion program that provides tax reductions and wage supplements for low-income working families. Many who are eligible for the EITC do not know about it, and do not know how to claim it. Low-income taxpayers may be eligible for up to $4,204 when they file for the EITC. It is a credit that remains under-utilized. I-CAN! EIC™ can help clients claim the credit easily and for free. Most other tax services charge for tax preparation and filing for the EITC.

Anyone can use I-CAN! if they have access to an online computer. Online computers are available for use at community technology centers and the Seattle Public LIbraries. Click on the "centers" link above to locate one near you. Your help is needed in getting the word out to the community.

E-Filers can get help filing at the following PSACT labs:

Bryant Mannor Computer Learning Center 1801 E. Yesler Seattle (206) 324-2261 King County Law Library www.kcll.org Room 807 Administration Building 500 4th Avenue Seattle, WA (206) 296-0940 Rainier Beach Complex 8825 Rainier Avenue South Seattle, WA (206) 760-9104 Sand Point Community Technology Center 6940 62nd AV NE Seattle, WA (206) 523-6912

In order to e-file, persons must have the following: W-2s for self, spouse and children Income from self-employment (1099s) Income from Unemployment compensation, interest, pension, retirement, annuities, rental properties, etc. Correct birth names and social security numbers for self, spouse, and children Name, phone number and address of child care facility Whether or not your employer pays part of the childcare Amount paid during 2003 for child care Federal taxpayer identification number of social security number Filer's bank account routing number Email address

The I-CAN! web site is easy to use. A person appears on the monitor, asks questions, and the user selects answers. The questions are available in Spanish or English, and the application fills out the form in English. For more information, go to www.icanefile.org. To talk to a real person, call Sandra Mears at PSACT, (206) 850-1502.

E-filing speeds up refunds and also ensures that families get all the money they deserve. Filers should be alerted to loan scams. Many low-income families commonly fall victim to high priced “Refund Anticipation Loans” (RALs), commonly offered by most commercial tax preparation offices. While these loans speed an advanced payment to a worker by a few weeks, families lose needed money in fees.