Free Tax Prep

 

Staring January 18, 2009, the Allegan Community Federal Credit Union proudly offers a link to Just File It! We’ll Help. Free State and Federal tax preparation resource.


What is Just File it!?

 It is a free tax preparation service offered to help anyone that makes any amount of money file their state and federal taxes.

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 How does the program work?

 Just go to the Just File It! website link provided on our website. You can access the website anywhere you can get on the internet. You will go through a series of secure web pages and input your information. The website is interactive and will ask you questions to make sure that you are getting the most out of your tax returns. Once all of your information has been entered, your information is complied and placed on Federal and/or State tax forms that can e-filed or printed and mailed in.

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How much does this program cost?

 Nothing! It’s absolutely free! Why pay to get your returns filed when you can do it for free! 

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What do I need to use the Just File It! program?

 Just your normal tax information that may include:

  • Your Social Security Number;
  • Your spouse’s and children’s names as they appear on their Social Security card and their Social Security numbers;
  • All forms that show the income you received in 2009. This may include
    • W-2s from employers from you, your spouse, and your children;
    • Bank statements showing interest earned on deposits;
    • 1098Ts listing educational expenses;
    • Unemployment statements;
  • Child Care information such as:
    • Name and phone number of the child care facility or individual;
    • Amount paid during the year for child care;
    • Federal Tax ID Number or Social Security number of the facility or individual; and/or
    • Whether or not your employer pays part of the child care.

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How will I use the Just File It! system?

You will create an account with your name and Social Security number. Then you will answer questions for your Federal and then State returns. You will then Print and review your return to make sure it is complete and correct. Once you are satisfied that everything is right, you can mail or e-file your return.

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How will I know my e-filed return has been accepted?

If you choose to e-file your returns, your status on your account will then be “Pending”. You should then check your status again after a few days to see what it says. If your status still says “Pending”, please check back again at a later time. If your status says “Rejected”, the status page will then tell you what to do to correct your return. If your return has been accepted, your status will say “Accepted”. At this point, there will be a link on the right sidebar that says “Where’s my refund?” that you can click to track your refund. Please note that your returns have not been filed until the status says “Accepted”.

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What is the difference between e-filing and mailing my returns in?

When you mail your return in, it usually will take somewhere between 4 – 8 weeks for the return to be accepted and for your refund to be issued. You then will receive a check that you have to take to your financial institution to cash. When you e-file your tax returns, it cuts down the wait and the whole process will take somewhere closer to 14 days. And if you get your return direct deposited, it should take an even shorter amount of time. (Please note these are estimated times; there are no exact numbers available.)

 
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What kind of credits can I claim with this program?

You can claim these credit with the Just File it! program:

  • Child Tax Credit
  • Education Credit
  • Savers Credit
  • Student Loan Deductions
  • Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit
  • Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit
  • Michigan Home Heating Credit.
  • Federal and State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

 
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What if I do not have all my tax documents yet?

You may begin your tax returns with the Just File It! program and use the Save feature that is offered. Just make sure that you do not file the return until ALL of your information has been received and entered into the system.

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What if I need to amend a return that I have already filed?

If you receive another tax document, have made a mistake, or need to change any information, you may not e-file again. You can find out more information about amending your tax returns at www.irs.gov.

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What is the EITC?

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was created in 1975 to provide wage supplement based on taxes for low to moderate income earners. It was created to help ease tax weight for working individual and families. There are currently 22 states that have state EITC programs. Michigan started their program in 2006 when Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the legislation grating a refundable EITC for Michigan.

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Do I qualify for EITC?

To qualify for the Federal EITC, you must:

  • Have earned income in 2009;
  • Have a valid Social Security number;
  • Be a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident;
  • Not qualify as a Dependent for another taxpayer;
  • Have investment income less than $3100.00;
  • Be older than 25 years if you do not have any qualifying children.

 

To qualify for the State EITC, you must:

  • Be a Michigan taxpayer
  • Be subject to the Michigan income tax;
  • Be eligible for the Federal EITC;
  • Have a valid Social Security number;
  • Not be married filing a separate tax return;
  • Meet income/child criteria;
  • Cannot be blocked from claiming the Federal credit due to negligence or suspected fraud (I.R.C. Sec. 32(k))

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What are the Income/Child criteria? 

Earned income* and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be less than:

  • $43279 ($48279 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children;
  • $40295 ($45295 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children;
  • $35463 ($40463 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child;
  • $13440 ($18440 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.

*Earned income does not include: non-taxable earned income, public benefits (Social Security); other taxable income such as Unemployment benefits, alimony, or interest on financial accounts.

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What is the 2009 maximum amount I can earn from EITC?

The 2009 tax year maximums are:

  • $5657 with three or more qualifying children;
  • $5028 with two qualifying children;
  • $3043 with one qualifying child;
  • $457 with no qualifying children.

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Who cannot use the Just File It! program?

There are a few limitations with the program. You cannot use the program if you:

  • Own a business;
  • Are a church employee or a clergy member;
  • Sold real estate in the tax year; or
  • Have an employer with a non-US address.

Forms and credits that the above stated people use are not available through the Just File It! program.

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What if I am blind, my employer contributed to my child care costs, or if I am self employed?

We recommend that you do not use this program because there are credits that you may qualify for that the Just File It! program does not offer.

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What if I still have more questions?

Please contact Jennifer at 269-673-3976 or email her at jennifer@allegancu.com.