Tax Help: Nationwide Resources Don’t let taxes scare you this tax season. Let WE Connect guide you to free tax preparation from VITA or free online resources. Also, take 5 minutes to use our WEb Connector to see if you might be able to boost your tax return thanks to the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Federal Child Tax Credit!

Free Tax Prep

I-CAN! E-FILE
I-CAN E-File is an online service that allows you to file your federal and state taxes online for free.
www.icanefile.org/

The Beehive
The Beehive is a place where you can file your taxes online for free as well as find other valuable information.
www.thebeehive.org/taxes

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)
The VITA Program offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing.
To locate the nearest VITA site, visit www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html or call 1-800-829-1040.

Tax Credits
 
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the nation's largest resource for working families at the lower end of the income scale. If you are eligible to claim it, it can mean a return of up to $5,751 from the federal government. Even if you don't earn enough to owe income taxes, you may get a refund if you qualify for the EITC.
Click here for more information.

Federal Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit
If you paid someone to care for a child, spouse, or a dependent so you could work, you may be able to reduce your federal income tax by claiming the Credit for Child and Dependent Care expenses on your tax return. This Credit is available to people who, in order to work or to look for work, have to pay for child care services for dependents under age 12. The Credit is also available if you paid for the care of a spouse or a dependent of any age who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
Click here for more information

Federal Child Tax Credit
Depending on your income and the age of your children, you could score a hefty income tax credit and possibly earn a tax refund. If you have children who are under age 17 at of the end of 2011, you can get a $1,000 tax credit per child on your tax return.
Click here for more information.

Tax Benefits for Education
There are a variety of tax credits, deductions and savings plans available to taxpayers to assist with the expense of higher education.
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=213044,00.html

Tax Information for Members of the Military
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/military/index.html

Tax Information for Seniors and Retirees
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/retirees/index.html

Tax Questions for an Economic Downturn
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes that many people are having difficult times financially. There can be changes in the amount taxed due to specific circumstances, which include job loss, debt forgiveness or tapping a retirement fund. If your income has decreased, you may be an eligible candidate for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Learn more at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201853,00.html


Resolve Your Tax Issues

Have IRS issues? Need Professional Tax Assistance During an Audit?
Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITCs) assist low income taxpayers in preparation for Internal Revenue Service audits, appeals, and collection issues for a free or nominal charge. If you are a low income taxpayer who cannot afford professional tax assistance during audits of your federal income tax return, you may qualify for help from Low Income Taxpayer Clinics or other organizations that provide free assistance in tax disputes.

Find a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic in your state at http://www.irs.gov/advocate/content/0,,id=151026,00.html

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your source for personal tax help when you believe your tax issue cannot be handled online or by phone, and you want face-to-face assistance.
Visit http://www.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/index.jsp and enter your zip code to find a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you!

Taxpayer Advocate Service
Get free and confidential help to resolve your IRS problems
http://www.irs.gov/advocate/index.html